Ragpicker killed in 'chemical explosion' in Hyderabad

A 40-year-old ragpicker was killed in a suspected chemical explosion here on Sunday, police said. The blast took place when he opened a bag containing the chemical substance near a pavement, they said.

He sustained serious burns on both his hands and was admitted to a hospital where he died, the police said. Deputy Commissioner of Police N Prakash Reddy said the victim was a ragpicker.

The official clarified that it was not a bomb explosion. He said the police were verifying from where he brought the chemical substance and also what kind of chemical it was. Senior police officials, including Cyberabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar, rushed to the spot and asked the public not to panic.

The Commissioner told reporters that preliminary investigation revealed there was a blast when the man was removing the chemical from the bag resulting in his hands getting severed. "He (ragpicker) was shifted to a hospital but succumbed to injuries. We are investigating from all angles," he said.

Forensic experts as well as bomb disposal squads have been pressed into service..

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)