Belgavi, Jan. 7 -- The death toll in the boiler explosion at the Inamdar Sugar Factory in Bailhongal taluk has risen to three, while five injured workers are receiving treatment at KLE Hospital, police said.

The deceased have been identified as Akshay Topade, Deepak Munnohli and Sudarshan Banoshi, all factory workers.

The explosion occurred in the factory's No.1 compartment while wall repair work was underway, triggering a sudden blast which claimed three lives.

Belagavi SP K Ramarajan briefed about the tragedy and confirmed the number of fatalities.

"In that accident, three people are dead, and five people are critically injured. The incident took place at around 1.30 pm.", he said.

The police official said a valve issue was reporte...