HASSAN: A couple suffered critical burn injuries after a suspicious explosion was reported in a house at Halliyur village of Alur taluk in the district on Monday evening. It is suspected that the explosion may have been caused by chemicals used for preparing firecrackers.
The incident injured Sudarshan Achar (32), Kavya (27) and a child. The injured were initially treated at HIMS hospital and later shifted to Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru for further treatment via a green corridor. The condition of the seriously injured couple is critical. Four other people who were in the house, including a child, are safe.
Though the two LPG cylinders and the geyser in the house were intact, the cause of the explosion remained a mystery. During preliminary investigation, police found that the family was preparing fireworks at home and had stored some chemical powder used for producing firecrackers, which accidentally caught fire and exploded.
A portion of the house was completely damaged in the blast, with walls and sheds shattered. The intensity of the explosion was such that sheets were thrown 50 feet into the air. The compound wall of the house collapsed, and the walls were damaged.
The blast occurred around 8.30 pm on Monday, leaving locals shocked and frightened. Fortunately, the explosion happened outside the house, preventing major casualties. The area was scattered with debris all around.
The police have secured the area and a bomb disposal team from Mangaluru was expected to visit the site for further investigation. The cause of the explosion and the circumstances surrounding it are still being probed.
