A tragic incident unfolded at the Nowgam police station in Indian-administered Kashmir on Friday evening, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and injuring 32 others. The explosion occurred when a stockpile of confiscated explosives, seized earlier in the week from Faridabad in Haryana, accidentally detonated. The explosives were reportedly being prepared for forensic examination at the time of the mishap. According to Nalin Prabhat, the region’s director general of police, the detonation happened around 23:20 local time (17:50 GMT) due to an ‘extremely unfortunate’ handling error. The police station suffered extensive damage, and nearby buildings were also affected. Witnesses described a scene of devastation, with vehicles engulfed in flames and debris scattered across the area. Some body parts were even found in houses located 100-200 meters away from the blast site. Most of the victims were police officers, forensic personnel, crime scene photographers, and a tailor who was present at the station. Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of the region, expressed his condolences and announced an investigation into the incident. He emphasized the need to determine the cause of the accidental explosion and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families. This incident follows a recent car blast in Delhi, which the government has labeled a ‘terror incident,’ raising concerns about safety and security in the region.
Nine killed in accidental blast at police station in Indian-administered Kashmir, officials say
