A devastating accidental explosion at a police station in Indian-administered Kashmir has claimed the lives of at least nine people and left dozens more injured, in a tragic incident that occurred during the examination of confiscated explosives.
The Night of the Blast
The explosion tore through the Nowgam police station late on Friday night, with most victims being police and forensic officials who were conducting analysis on seized explosive materials. The death toll currently stands at nine, with thirty-two people suffering injuries of varying severity.
Witnesses described a scene of utter devastation as the force of the blast caused significant structural damage to the police station and ignited several nearby vehicles. The intensity was such that human remains were found hundreds of metres from the epicentre of the explosion, indicating the tremendous power of the detonation.
Connection to Delhi Terror Investigation
The explosives being examined were reportedly confiscated during a recent security operation launched in response to a deadly car bomb attack in Delhi and the subsequent discovery of a suspected terror network. The materials were directly linked to the ongoing investigation into these security threats.
In a related development that occurred on the same day, Indian authorities demolished the family home of Dr Umar Nabi, identified as a main suspect in the Delhi car bomb attack. This action forms part of the broader security crackdown in the region.
Aftermath and Investigation
Emergency services rushed to the scene following the explosion, with rescue operations continuing through the night. The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities, where many remain in critical condition.
The incident highlights the extreme dangers faced by security personnel handling explosive materials during counter-terrorism operations. An official investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances that led to the accidental detonation.
This tragedy comes amid heightened security tensions in the region following the recent terror threats, raising concerns about the protocols for handling dangerous materials in police custody.
