Sudan Blast: 6 from Tamil Nadu Among 18 Indians Killed in Khartoum; CM Seeks PM Modi's Intervention

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Wednesday said six men from the state were among those injured or missing in the LPG tanker blast in Sudan and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct officials concerned to update on their status.

Citing media reports about several people losing their lives after a fire triggered the explosion in a ceramic factory at Khartoum in Sudan, Palaniswami said men hailing from Tamil Nadu also formed part of Indian contingent of workers who were affected.

Sadly, we have reports of fatalities among Indian workers and we are trying to ascertain the numbers. The injured have been admitted at Al-Amal Hospital, Omdurman Teaching Hospital and Ibrahim Malik Hospital.

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 4, 2019

"It is also learnt that among the Indian nationals, three of them hailing from Tamil Nadu are missing and another three have been admitted in the local hospital," the Chief Minister said in a letter to Modi.

The India Embassy in Khartoum may be directed to update details of the affected persons immediately, "so that the distressed families back home, get clear cut information of the condition of their near and dear ones," he said.

Palaniswami requested Modi's personal intervention in the matter and urged best medical care for the injured.

At least 18 Indians were among the 23 people killed and over 130 injured in a horrific LPG tanker blast at the factory in Sudan, the Indian mission at Khartoum said.

Sixteen Indians were missing after the incident that happened at Seela Ceramic Factory in Bahri area in Khartoum, the national capital of Sudan on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish at the loss of lives.

Anguished by the blast in a ceramic factory in Sudan, where some Indian workers have lost their lives and some are injured. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured. Our Embassy is providing all possible assistance to those affected.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2019

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her anguish over the incident.

Saddened at the demise of 18 Indians in LPG tanker blast in Sudan. My condolences to the bereaved families. Our country's workers are placed in different parts of the world and face various risks. May all stay safe

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 4, 2019

"As per latest reports, but so far not confirmed officially, 18 are dead," the Indian Embassy said in a release.

"Some of the missing may be in the list of dead which we are still to receive as identification is not possible because of the bodies being burnt," it added.

(With inputs from PTI)