At least ten workers were killed in a blast in a quarry in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district on Friday, police said.

"At least 20 workers were said to be at the spot when the gelatine sticks used for blasting the quarry exploded. The sudden explosion trapped the workers, triggering the fatalities," the officer said.

At least 10 people were killed and four injured, who were shifted to a hospital. Search was on to trace if there are any survivors, he added.

Another eight workers were also injured in the incident that took place in Hathi Belgal village in Alur 'mandal' (block) of Kurnool district.The injured were admitted to the government hospital in Alur, where the condition of three is stated to be critical.

About 20 workers belonging to Odisha were believed to be in a shed when the blast occurred. The police suspect that some more workers could be trapped inside.

A fire which broke out with the blast engulfed the shed. Three tractors, one lorry and two sheds were destroyed in the fire.

The huge blast also damaged a few houses near the quarry.

The blast which was heard at a distance of more than 10 km sent panic among the residents. The cause of the blast could not be known immediately.

Leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy and JanaSena Party chief Pawan Kalyan also expressed grief and extended sympathies to the bereaved families.

IANS

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