Indian Bishops close to families affected by Jhabua explosion ‎

The regional bishops’ council of Madhya Pradesh state in central India has expressed condolence for the victims of Saturday’s massive explosion in Petlawad‎ town which has caused some 90 deaths and injured many more.   Police were looking for Rajendra Kashawa, a contractor accused of illegally storing detonators for mines, that  triggered the explosion in a crowded restaurant in the town in the mining district of Jhabua.

Local Bishop Basil Bhuriya of Jhabua, expressed condolences for the tragic loss of life.  “It is heartbreaking that so many children, the day workers and peasants from surrounding villages who come here to sell their products, have died in this explosion," he said.  "Our hearts are with their grieving families, many of whom have lost their only source of income, and with those who were injured.” “The Catholic Church of Jhabua will provide financial assistance to such families," bishop Bhuriya said.

Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal, president of the regional bishops’ council of Madhya Pradesh told AsiaNews that the “terrible accident caused by explosives… is the result of a series of errors by the local government.”  “Such a large amount of explosives should not be stored in a public space.” He said the state’s bishops are asking for immediate and adequate compensation to the victims' families. (Source: AsiaNews)