Nine people were killed and 32 injured in a devastating explosion that ripped through a police station in Indian-controlled Kashmir, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos. The blast occurred late on Friday at the Nowgam area of Srinagar, where a team of forensic experts and police officials were conducting an examination of confiscated explosives.
According to the region's police director general, Nalin Prabhat, the explosion was accidental, not the result of any foul play or sabotage. Most of the victims were police and forensic personnel, with some critically injured. The blast also set multiple vehicles on fire, while local media reported that small successive explosions hindered rescue efforts.
The incident comes days after a deadly car bombing in New Delhi killed at least eight people near the historic Red Fort. Indian officials described it as a "heinous terror incident" carried out by "anti-national forces". In response to the latest explosion, security agencies in Kashmir have been on high alert, conducting raids and questioning hundreds of suspects.
In the hours leading up to the blast, police had brought explosive material seized from a city outside Kashmir to the police station for further investigation. However, according to Prabhat, the material was kept in an open area, where it apparently detonated, causing widespread destruction. The police director general stressed that any speculation about the cause of the incident is "unnecessary".
According to the region's police director general, Nalin Prabhat, the explosion was accidental, not the result of any foul play or sabotage. Most of the victims were police and forensic personnel, with some critically injured. The blast also set multiple vehicles on fire, while local media reported that small successive explosions hindered rescue efforts.
The incident comes days after a deadly car bombing in New Delhi killed at least eight people near the historic Red Fort. Indian officials described it as a "heinous terror incident" carried out by "anti-national forces". In response to the latest explosion, security agencies in Kashmir have been on high alert, conducting raids and questioning hundreds of suspects.
In the hours leading up to the blast, police had brought explosive material seized from a city outside Kashmir to the police station for further investigation. However, according to Prabhat, the material was kept in an open area, where it apparently detonated, causing widespread destruction. The police director general stressed that any speculation about the cause of the incident is "unnecessary".