3 killed, 10 hurt in cracker explosion

Three people were charred to death and

ten others sustained serious injuries and burns, when crackers transported in a mini lorry exploded near Gingee in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu on Monday morning.

Police said the explosion took place at around 0730 hrs, when the Tiruvannamalai-bound mini van from Puducherry reached Gingee.

When public pointed to the driver that a smoke was emanating from the vehicle, the driver stopped the vehicle, when the explosion took place.

The identities of the deceased were yet to be ascertained as the bodies were charred beyond recognition.

The cracker bundles in the van exploded and the fire spread to a tea shop, saloon and six other buildings in the vicinity.

Fire tenders and police rushed to the spot and put out the fire in which four buildings were completely damaged.

The injured were admitted to Gingee government hospital.