Accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station: DGP confirms 9 dead, 27 injured
Srinagar, Nov 15 (KINS): The Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, on Saturday confirmed that the fatal explosion at the Nowgam Police Station was an accidental blast, putting to rest all speculation surrounding the incident.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar according to news agency KINS, the DGP said the explosion took place while highly sensitive and unstable explosives—recently recovered from Faridabad—were being secured, sampled, and examined by investigators. These explosives were part of material seized during the ongoing probe into a wider terror network linked to recent incidents outside Jammu and Kashmir.
“The blast was purely accidental. The material recovered was extremely unstable, and the explosion occurred during the standard procedure of securing and examining the contraband,” the DGP stated, adding that no foul play was involved.
The accidental blast claimed nine lives, including police personnel and technical staff assisting in the examination process. Twenty-seven others sustained injuries of varying degrees and were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Several are reported to be in critical condition.
The DGP expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He also commended the officers and personnel who continue to work under high-risk conditions during sensitive investigations.
Authorities have initiated an internal review to ensure that future handling of unstable explosive materials is carried out with enhanced safety mechanisms. The area around the police station was immediately cordoned off after the explosion, and forensic teams were deployed to assess the damage.
The incident has triggered shock across the region, with many expressing solidarity with the police force. Further updates on the condition of the injured are awaited as investigations continue. (KINS)
