Four from Dakshina Kannada perish in Saudi industry blast

Mangaluru: Four people from Dakshina Kannada district are among the 12 who died in a devastating fire at a petrochemical plant in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The blaze left eleven others injured.

According to sources, Bhaskar Poojary, Karthik Sanil, Balakrishna Poojary, and Vincent Monterio died in the accident. Unconfirmed sources said one more person, Ashraf, has succumbed to his injuries.  

The grief stricken family members of Vincent, said his mother is unaware of the death of her son who was scheduled to reach Mangaluru on May 16. He was earlier supposed to arrive on April 16 but postponed his visit as he had to attend his friend's wedding in May.

“Vincent had called home the day the incident took place to speak to his mother. He enquired about her health and spoke to his sister too. He had asked them if they wanted him to bring anything when he came home in May,” Vincent's brother Jerome disclosed. Vincent has been working in Saudi for the past four and a half years. He was employed at Dubai and Mumbai before shifting to the present job.

Another victim, Bhaskar’s wife too is unaware that he has died. Bhaskar’s brother said she was told her husband had sustained injuries and was in hospital. However the frequent phone calls and the visits by relatives and friends have made her suspicious, he said.

A relative of Karthik said he was working in Saudi for the past three years and had come home few days ago. The family is awaiting more details and expects the police to complete the investigation soon so that they can bring the body home.