Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat on Saturday confirmed that the massive explosion at Nowgam Police Station was accidental, describing it as a deeply unfortunate incident. The blast, which occurred late Friday night, claimed the lives of nine personnel and injured twenty-seven others.
The explosion happened during the examination of highly unstable explosive material that had been recovered from Faridabad as part of an ongoing investigation. Speaking to the media, DGP Prabhat said that the ammonium nitrate and related substances had been stored at the police station following standard procedures for live investigations. Forensic teams and senior officers were carrying out sampling and technical assessments when the material unexpectedly detonated.
“Despite all precautions, an accidental blast took place, resulting in the tragic loss of nine lives and injuries to twenty-seven others. The investigation linked to the seized material is continuing,” Prabhat stated.
Police confirmed that the deceased included one SIA official, three personnel from the Forensic Science Laboratory, two crime photographers, two revenue officials, and one tailor who happened to be at the site. The injured include both police personnel and civilians, several of whom are undergoing treatment for critical injuries.
The explosion caused significant structural damage to the Nowgam Police Station, with surrounding houses and buildings also affected. Technical teams are currently assessing the full extent of the destruction.
DGP Prabhat expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. He emphasized that there was no terror angle to the incident, calling rumors and speculative claims circulating online baseless.
