President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders on Friday expressed grief over the death of several labourers in an explosion at a stone quarry in Karnataka's Shivamogga.

Kovind tweeted that the news about loss of lives in the explosion was unfortunate and tragic. "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families and loved ones during this difficult hour. I wish speedy recovery to the injured," he said.