`5 lakh aid announced to the kin of those killed in blast

Kurnool: Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister N Chinarajappa on Saturday mourned the death of 12 workers due to an explosion at a granite quarry at Hatti Belagal village in Alur mandal of Kurnool district on Friday night.

Chinarajappa along with Minister for Revenue K E Krishna Murthy, Minister for Mines Sujaya Krishna Ranga Rao, Director General of Police RP Thakur and District Collector S Sathyanarayana visited Kurnool General Hospital on Saturday morning and inspected the 12 bodies preserved at mortuary room.
They visited burns ward where five victims are being treated for the burns sustained during explosion on Friday evening. Meanwhile, the Kurnool District Judge Anupama Chakravarthy also made a visit to the hospital and spoke to the victims.

Later addressing the media, Chinarajappa said, ``It is very unfortunate that a ghastly explosion at a granite quarry at Hatti Belagal village in Alur mandal has claimed 12 lives and critically injured five persons. Greatly moved on hearing about the dreadful incident, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu immediately reacted and expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. Naidu has also directed to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident and has also announced Rs5 lakhs ex-gratia to the kin of each deceased.”

The District Collector was also ordered to ensure quality treatment to the grievously injured persons, he said. Adding, Rajappa said apart from the announcement by the state government of Rs 5 lakh, the government was trying to extend another Rs 5 lakh assistance after having a dialogue with the quarry owner. The government is taking steps for the transportation of the bodies to their native villages, he said. However, it is very unfortunate incident that the mishap has claimed 12 lives besides severely injuring many more, the Home Minister said.

Deputy CM and Minister for Revenue, KE Krishna Murthy said the District Collector was directed to conduct a detailed enquiry on the quarry blast. Stern action would be taken against the persons responsible based on the report. The government will take up stringent measures to prevent such unfortunate incidents in future. District Judge, Anupama Chakravarthy visited mortuary and burns ward in the Kurnool General Hospital and inspected the bodies and also spoke to the victims.

She expressed her deep condolences to the bereaved family members. She also urged the hospital authorities to extend quality treatment to the injured persons. Superintendent of Police Gopinath Jetty, city MLA, S V Mohan Reddy and Kurnool Urban Development Authority Chairman SomishettyVenkateshwarulualso visited the hospital. After visiting the Kurnool General Hospital, all the Ministers and DGP flew to Hatti Belagal village to inspect the scene of offence.