Death toll in Jhabua gas explosion reaches 82: Reports

Around 82 people have been killed so far in the blast, which took place at a hotel in Madhya Pradesh?s Jhabua district earlier this morning.

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh Government has announced Rs. two lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to those critically injured in the blast. "Rs. two lakh will be given to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 will be given to those who are critically injured," Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told the media here.

Gelatin sticks and detonators were stored in the neighbouring house for mining purposes which increased the impact of the blast, according to reports. 

"Proper investigation will be done to find the cause of the accident. A magisterial inquiry will be conducted into the matter," he added.  The gas cylinder exploded as people were gathering for breakfast at the restaurant in the town of Petlawad in the state of Madhya Pradesh, about 800 km (500 miles) south of New Delhi, Inspector B.L. Gaur told Reuters.

Gaur said the restaurant was near an area which stored gelatine sticks used at construction sites. "There was a second explosion, there were more casualties," Gaur said, adding the blast was so powerful it damaged adjacent buildings and ripped out nearby windows.

Several people were injured in the explosion, Gaur said. Television footage showed a collapsed building and people searching for bodies in the rubble. Madhya Pradesh's chief minister has announced compensation for the victims' families, local media reported.

With agency inputs