By Shuriah Niazi
NEW DELHI
At least 90 people have been killed and 50 injured in a gas cylinder blast in a restaurant in the Jhabua district of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, said state and police officials officials.
The death toll was confirmed by Madhya Pradesh distict magistrate Aruna Gupta.
The restaurant where the blast occurred was situated near a bus stand in a busy locality in Jhabua district.
The building where the restaurant was located collapsed after the blast.
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Babulal Gaur told Anadolu Agency, “A high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident. The government will not only provide compensation but will also take care of [the victims’] medical bills.”
A local police officer said explosives had been allegedly stored in a shop next to the restaurant, which may have caused further destruction.
Officials say the death toll could rise as many people are believed to still be trapped in the debris.
