Detonator explosion: Ragpicker dies, 3 Injured

BANGALORE: A man was killed and three were severely injured in an detonator explosion that  was reported at a scrap yard in Hulimavu, off Bannerghatta Road, on Saturday. The identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained. However, the victim, suspected to be a ragpicker, was around 45 years old. The injured have been identified as Saravana, 22, owner of the scrap yard, his mother Selvi, 50, and Suresh, 15, a local. According to the police, around 11 am, the deceased went to the scrap yard to sell old  detonators. Reportedly, Saravana asked him to separate the copper wire and other particles in detonators  with the help of a hammer, to weigh them separately.  After separating particles in 3-4 detonators, the deceased hit a detonator with the hammer and it went off. Reportedly, the person hitting the detonator was grievously hurt,  while Saravana and his mother sustained injuries. Suresh who was an onlooker, was also injured. “Neighbours heard a deafening noise and informed the police. The police shifted all the four to Victoria Hospital. But the ragpicker succumbed on the way,” the said. The DCP of South-East division, Dr P S Harsha, said, “It is suspected that the exploded detonator was unused and was misplaced and hence it has gone off when hit by a hammer. The substances recovered from the spot have been sent to forensic laboratory. The details would be known only after ballistic experts give a report.”