7 killed, 23 injured in Nagaland blast

Kohima: At least seven people were killed and 23 others wounded in a powerful blast at Wokha town in Nagaland’s Wokha district at 11.30 am on Tuesday.
The blast took place inside the shop of an authorized gun dealer. Five houses, including the shop, were razed in a fire caused by the blast. The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained, said officials.
Sources said there could be a lot of gun powder and ammunition inside the shop.
Police have confirmed the recovery of seven dead bodies from the blast site. The injured have been admitted to hospitals in Kohima and Dimapur. Police said six LPG cylinders also exploded as the fire spread to neighbouring houses.
Four policemen were also injured in dousing the flames.
Police, security personnel, personnel of disaster management authority, district officials and locals joined hands in rescue operations and fire-fighting. The fire was finally controlled at 5 pm. Officials still believe that there could be some more bodies underneath the debris.
The state government has called an emergency cabinet meeting on Wednesday. A team from Kohima is expected to visit the blast site on Wednesday, officials said.