Two killed in explosion at sealed stone quarry

Erode: Two men were killed in an explosion at a sealed stone quarry at TN Palayam near Gobichettipalayam here on Tuesday night.
The Bangalapudur police identified the victims as Senthil Kumar, 38, and Ajith Kumar, 34, both residents of Gobichettipalayam.
An investigation officer said the revenue officials with Gobichettipalayam taluk had sealed the stone quarry in 2023 following complaints about illegal mining and smuggling of minerals.The officials also had warned the quarry owner, Eswari, and her husband Loganathan against carrying out illegal quarrying activities at the unit.
“Around 10pm on Tuesday, we received information about some people entering the quarry and using explosives to break stones. When we reached the spot, we came across two bodies at the quarry. We identified the deceased after a brief inquiry,” the officer said.
The bodies were later sent to the govt hospital at Gobichettipalayam for autopsy.
The Bangalapudur police have registered a case and launched a manhunt for five people, including the quarry owner and her husband, for supplying explosive materials to the duo for quarrying. CM M K Stalin declared a compensation of Rs. 3 lakh for each family of the deceased. He also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.