Accidental Explosion at Srinagar Police Station Kills Nine, Injures 32

Blast Occurred During Examination of Explosive Materials Seized in Major Terror Probe

SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir—A massive explosion took place late on Friday night at the Nowgam Police Station on the outskirts of Srinagar, resulting in the deaths of nine people and injuries to 32 others.

The incident occurred around 11:20 PM on November 14 while police and forensic teams were handling and extracting samples from a large amount of explosive material that had been recently seized. The explosion caused widespread damage to the police station building and affected nearby homes, shaking the entire area.

According to official statements from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Director General of Police (DGP), the explosion was accidental. They have categorically ruled out any immediate terror angle.

The explosives that detonated were part of a huge cache—reportedly over 2,900 kg of chemical substances and materials used for making bombs—recovered during a multi-state investigation into a "white-collar terror module." This module was uncovered after a local investigation in October related to threatening posters, which later led authorities to arrests and large-scale seizures in states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

The material, which included highly sensitive and unstable chemicals, was kept in an open area of the police station as part of the legal procedure. A specialized team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and other agencies was working to collect samples to send for further testing when the unfortunate accidental blast occurred.

The nine people who lost their lives include personnel from various departments, highlighting the severity of the accident. Among the deceased are three members of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team, two crime photographers, one State Investigation Agency (SIA) official, two revenue officials, and one civilian tailor associated with the team. At least 27 police personnel and five civilians were among the injured and have been admitted to hospitals in Srinagar.

J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat confirmed the details, emphasizing that the focus is on supporting the affected families and investigating the exact trigger of the accident. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has also ordered an official probe into the tragic incident.

The government has assured the public that the cause of the explosion is under inquiry and urged people to avoid speculation, stating that it stands in solidarity with the families of the deceased.