Massive explosion triggers panic in AP

Pathanamthitta, Jan 6 (UNI) Massive explosion in a granite quarry triggered widespread panic in Ranny area today.

A few houses in the vicinity felt the impact and minor damage was reported. Assuming it to be an earthquake, people ran from their houses. The mysterious explosion occurred, amid the grass growth on top of a granite quarry at Cherukulanji Jantackal near Ranni around 1312 hrs. No one was working at the quarry, as today was a holiday.

Initial investigation attributed it to an accidental explosion of detonators kept concealed in the dense grass growth.

Three-fourth acre of the grass land caught fire. Neighbours said stones and earth rained within a radius of half a kilometre.

The sound of explosion was heard eight km away. Police and Revenue personnel reached the spot and collected evidence. They examined some houses that developed fissures on the walls.

Official sources said the explosion might have been caused by the gunpowder kept clandestinely. There were only a few workers from other States left at the scene after explosion. In the backdrop of alleged presence of Naxals, the explosion acquired ominous dimension.

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