The explosion happened at around 3.30 pm at the quarry godown where gelatine sticks were stored, near Magaral village. Goats that were grazing near the godown died on the spot due to impact of the explosion. The Fire and Rescue Services team from Kancheepuram and Uthiramerur rushed to the spot to carry out rescue work. The firefighters rescued Vijayan, Vinoth and Loganathan, who suffered injuries, and admitted them to Uthiramerur government hospital.

Police said that one of the worker in the store quarry, Mohan, had gone inside the godown while talking on his mobile phone, and suspect this could have triggered the explosion. Mohan has been missing since the blast, police said, adding that a piece of flesh that was found on the ground near the dead goats has been sent it for testing to find if it belonged to a man.

Police said that the quarry is owned by Krishnamoorthy and Karunanidhi, and they have all the documents and license for running the quarry. The Magaral police have registered a case and further inquiry is on.

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