Tragic Accidental Blast at Srinagar’s Nowgam Police Station Claims Nine Lives, 32 Injured

SRINAGAR ( Jammu & Kashmir )- In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves through Jammu and Kashmir, an accidental explosion at the Nowgam Police Station on the outskirts of Srinagar killed nine people, including police officers and forensic experts, late Friday night. The blast occurred during a routine anti-terrorism inspection of seized explosives, highlighting the perilous risks faced by security forces in handling hazardous materials linked to militant activities.

The explosion ripped through the station around 11:20 PM on November 14, as a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) officials were extracting samples from a massive cache of over 2,900 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and other bomb-making components.

These materials had been confiscated just days earlier from a “white-collar” terror module in Faridabad, Haryana, with alleged ties to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit and a recent blast at Delhi’s Red Fort.

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The module reportedly involved radicalized professionals and was part of a broader probe into JeM’s propaganda efforts, including posters distributed in Srinagar.

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Residents as far as 15 kilometers away reported feeling the tremors, describing it as an earthquake-like rumble that shattered windows and caused minor structural damage in nearby homes.

Firefighting teams rushed to the scene, battling flames amid twisted metal and rubble, while emergency services evacuated the wounded. Among the deceased were at least three FSL officials and several police personnel, with the death toll rising to nine by early Saturday morning.

Over 30 others sustained injuries, many in critical condition, and were rushed to Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital and other medical facilities.

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The Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP), Nalin Prabhat, who visited the site alongside Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials, described the incident as a tragic accident due to the “unstable and sensitive nature” of the explosives.

“Owing to the unstable and sensitive nature of the recovery, it was being handled with utmost caution. However, during the same, an accidental explosion took place,” Prabhat stated in a press briefing, urging the public to avoid speculation.

He emphasized that the materials were being forwarded for further analysis when the mishap occurred, and a high-level inquiry has been ordered to examine potential security lapses in storage and handling protocols.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) echoed the DGP’s assessment, classifying the blast as accidental while confirming that central agencies are assisting in the investigation.

This tragedy comes amid heightened security measures in the region following the Faridabad bust, which uncovered a sophisticated network plotting attacks across India.

The Nowgam station had recently cracked a case involving JeM posters, underscoring its role in counter-terrorism efforts. Local leaders, including Srinagar-based activists, expressed condolences and called for better safety measures for frontline workers.”

J&K Police and the people of Kashmir have bravely confronted terrorism for decades. Their sacrifices safeguard our nation,” tweeted local commentator Imran Yousuf, reflecting the sentiment of profound loss and resilience.

Prime Minister’s Office and Home Minister’s Office representatives have extended support to the affected families, promising compensation and aid. As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in dismantling terror networks. Authorities have sealed off the area for forensic teams to comb through the wreckage, with preliminary reports indicating no external sabotage.