Three killed in explosion at firecracker unit in Belthangady

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 28, 2024: A blast at a fireworks storage facility in the Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district claimed the lives of three laborers. The victims were identified as Swamy (55), Varghese (68) from Kerala, and Chethan (25) from Hassan district.

The incident occurred at the Solid Fireworks warehouse in Katyaru, Kukkedi village, Belthangady, on a Sunday evening. Among the nine laborers present during the blast, three lost their lives, and six others, namely Dinesh, Kiran, Kumara, Kallesha, Prem, and Keshava, sustained injuries. The explosion caused extensive damage to nearby houses, with the impact felt up to 4 kilometers away.

The explosion resulted in the dispersal of body parts around the blast site, with the police recovering one complete body and scattered body parts of the other two victims within a 100-meter radius. Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police CB Ryshyanth visited the scene to gather information about the incident. Venoor police have reportedly taken several individuals into custody for questioning in connection with the blast.