Mangaluru: Three persons lost their lives in a tragic blast at a licensed firecracker manufacturing unit near Venur in Belthangady taluk in Dakshina Kannada District on Sunday.

The deceased were identified as Chetan (24), Vergese (62), and Swami (60).

According to Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police C.B. Ryshyanth, two individuals succumbed immediately, while another passed away en route to the hospital. The explosion occurred around 5:30 p.m. in close proximity to Venoor.

The manufacturing unit, situated within the jurisdiction of Kukkedy Gram Panchayat, possessed a license permitting the storage of up to 15 kg of explosive material in its premises. This license remains valid until May 2024.

The manufactured firecrackers were primarily intended for use during Yakshagana performances and were being produced to fulfill existing orders.

Initial reports indicate that nine individuals were present at the unit, situated on land belonging to Bashir. The explosion damaged the shed, with the blast audible to residents within a four-kilometer radius.  

Forensic experts examined the site, and both Ryshyanth and Puttur Assistant Commissioner Jubin Mahapatra promptly visited the scene.