Gloom descends over Chendur village after explosion

Puducherry, Apr 7 (UNI) A pall of gloom descended over Chendur village near Tindivanam in Villuppuram district of Tamil Nadu where 16 persons were killed and as many injured in an explosion today.

The grief stricken atmosphere echoed with a few women weeping uncontrollably over the loss of their kith and kin.

While the entire village was shocked over the incident, many menfolk were making desperate efforts to trace the whereabouts of their lone ones at Tindivanam, Villuppuram government hospitals or JIPMER hospital, where the injured were admitted.

The scene at the explosion site was so horrific that it would always haunt the memories of the villagers till their last breath, Dhanalakshmi, a shopkeeper at the site of the accident said.

Dhanalakshmi (65), who survived the accident with injuries and was admitted to the JIPMER hospital said she could not recollect what happened as she fell unconscious at the instant of the explosion and regained consciousness only at the hospital.

According to Dayalan, a middle aged man, also admitted to the JIPMER, several houses collapsed and many developed cracks in the explosion.

'' I initially thought it was an earthquake''.

Heart-rending scenes were witnessed in front of the hospitals with relatives of the injured praying for their dear ones.

As many as 11 people were admitted to JIPMER of which two succumbed to their injuries.

The exact cause for the blast was yet to be ascertained and investigations were on. The police had detained one Manalipet Segar, who supplied the gelatine sticks.

Meanwhile, actor turned politician Vijayakanth visited the injured at the JIPMER and consoled the affected families.

He demanded that the government announce a solatium of Rs 5 lakh and a government job to a member of the bereaved families.

Also demanded that the injured be provided proper treatment and take stringent action against those responsible for the blast.

UNI