A powerful accidental explosion at Srinagar’s Nowgam Police Station during evidence handling leaves 9 dead and 29 injured
A massive explosion late on November 14 at the Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar left 9 people dead and 29 others injured. Panic swept through the area as the blast destroyed parts of the police station and set several parked vehicles on fire. Officials later confirmed that the incident was an accidental detonation that occurred while police and forensic teams were handling explosive evidence connected to an ongoing terror investigation.
Blast Occurred During Inspection of Seized Explosive Material
The explosion took place around 11:20 PM when teams were inspecting ammonium nitrate seized earlier during a major counterterrorism operation. The material was part of nearly 360 kilograms of explosive stock recovered from Faridabad, Haryana.
This recovered explosive was linked to a “white-collar” terror module believed to have associations with Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
Police and forensic personnel were present at the time of the explosion, which occurred during sampling and examination. Investigators are looking at two possibilities:
An accidental detonation due to mishandling during evidence inspection
A potential interaction with a rigged vehicle IED, though this angle remains unconfirmed
Officials Rule Out Terror Angle
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a clear statement confirming the blast was accidental. Jammu & Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat also ruled out any terror involvement. Early findings suggest the explosion happened while officials were dealing with seized explosive material connected to the Faridabad case.
Casualties Include Police, Forensic Staff, and a Magistrate
The blast claimed the lives of 9 individuals, including police officers, forensic experts, and an executive magistrate (naib tehsildar). A total of 29 people sustained injuries, some of them critical.
The injured were rushed to SKIMS Soura and the 92 Base Army Hospital, where they are receiving treatment. The impact of the explosion caused sections of the police station to collapse, and several vehicles parked nearby burst into flames.
Explosives Were Part of High-Profile Terror Module Investigation
The Nowgam Police Station was being used as a central point for analyzing explosive material seized in an important terror-related case.
The ammonium nitrate came from a 360 kg haul recovered in Faridabad during the investigation of a “white-collar” module involving highly educated operatives suspected to have links with JeM. The explosive stock was being carefully inspected as part of the larger probe into the module’s activities.
Rescue Efforts and Continuing Forensic Investigation
Firefighters and ambulances reached the site immediately after the explosion and carried out rescue efforts through the night. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine what triggered the blast and whether there were lapses in the handling or storage of the explosive material.
Officials have urged people not to speculate as forensic teams continue their work. The incident has renewed concerns about safety protocols for storing and examining large quantities of seized explosives within police facilities.
FAQs
- Was the Nowgam Police Station blast a terror attack?
No. Authorities, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and J&K Police, have confirmed that the blast was accidental. - What caused the explosion?
The explosion happened during the inspection of seized ammonium nitrate. Mishandling during forensic examination is suspected to have triggered the blast. - How many casualties were reported?
A total of 9 people died, and 29 were injured, including police personnel, forensic experts, and an executive magistrate. - What explosive material was being examined?
Officials were inspecting ammonium nitrate from a 360 kg explosive haul linked to a “white-collar” terror module associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad. - Where were the injured taken for treatment?
The injured were admitted to SKIMS Soura and the 92 Base Army Hospital.
