Two killed in chemical tank explosion in Karnataka’s Mandya

Two people were killed, and three others injured when a chemical tank exploded in Karekatte village in Mandya district near Mysuru on Sunday (February 15, 2026).

Police identified the deceased as Akash, 26, and Kallukhan, 27, both natives of Bihar. They had been engaged to shift machinery from the premises of a chemical factory that has remained closed since 2023.

Three other workers sustained injuries in the blast and have been admitted to the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS).

A senior police officer said the factory had been closed since a gas leakage was reported about three years ago, leading to damage to crops and the death of cattle in nearby areas. Local residents had strongly opposed any move to reopen the unit.

The management had begun shifting machinery to a new location in north Karnataka when the explosion occurred. About six truckloads of equipment and materials had already been transported from the premises, the official said.

A case has been registered at the Basaralu police station, and an investigation is underway. Police suspect the explosion might have occurred when workers used a gas cutter on the tank containing chemical residue.