Accidental Blast Rocks Kashmir Police Station, Claims Nine Lives
A tragic and accidental explosion at a police station in Indian-administered Kashmir on Friday evening has led to the deaths of nine people and left 32 others injured. The incident, which occurred at the Nowgam police station, involved the unexpected detonation of a large stockpile of confiscated explosives.
Details of the Catastrophic Incident
Nalin Prabhat, the region's Director General of Police, confirmed that the explosives were seized from Faridabad in the northern state of Haryana earlier in the week. They were being processed for forensic examination when a "very unfortunate" mishandling incident caused them to detonate at approximately 23:20 local time (17:50 GMT).
Authorities have unequivocally declared the blast an accidental detonation, firmly ruling out any terrorist involvement. Police officials urged the public to avoid speculation, emphasizing the purely accidental nature of the event.
Widespread Damage and Horrific Aftermath
The intensity of the explosion inflicted severe structural damage on the Nowgam police station itself, with its force extending to affect adjacent buildings. Witnesses and reports indicate that multiple vehicles at the scene were engulfed in flames and reduced to charred husks, scattering debris extensively across the area. A source close to the investigation chillingly reported that body parts were recovered from homes 100-200 metres away from the blast site, highlighting the sheer destructive power unleashed.
Victims and Official Condolences
The nine fatalities included primarily police officers, along with forensic personnel, two crime scene photographers, and a tailor who was part of the team. Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of the region, appointed by the Indian government, expressed profound anguish over the loss of lives. He conveyed his deepest condolences to the grieving families and affirmed that a comprehensive investigation has been ordered to ascertain the precise cause of the accidental explosion, while also praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
This incident comes shortly after a separate car blast in Delhi, which officials attributed to terrorism. However, authorities have been quick to distinguish the Kashmir explosion as a distinctly accidental event, unrelated to terrorist activities.