AHMEDABAD: Four people, including two brothers and two children, were killed after a small commercial vehicle, locally known as a tempo, exploded in Gujarat's Kutch district on Saturday, police said.
The incident took place in the Bhaganwada area near Kotda Jadodar in Nakhatrana when the vehicle was passing through the area.
The deceased were identified as Mamad Ilyas Kumbhar, around 30, his brother Noor Mamad Ilyas Kumbhar, around 26, and two children, both aged around three years, police said.
The explosion was reportedly powerful enough to tear away the rear portion of the vehicle, while its sound was heard in surrounding areas. The blast caused panic among residents and people in the vicinity.
Nakhatrana police reached the spot after receiving information about the incident and launched an investigation. Police teams secured the area and collected evidence to determine the cause of the explosion.
The exact cause of the blast is not yet known. Investigators are examining the material that was being carried inside the vehicle and whether it could have triggered the explosion.
A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has also been involved in the investigation and is examining the vehicle and material recovered from the site to establish the nature and source of the explosion.
Police officials are examining whether the blast was caused by combustible material, an accidental chemical or other reaction, or another factor. The precise cause is expected to be established after the forensic examination and detailed investigation.
The mangled remains of the vehicle and other evidence recovered from the scene are being examined as investigators work to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the explosion.