Srinagar Nowgam Police Station Blast: 9 Killed, 32 Injured in Accidental Explosion

Srinagar Nowgam Police Station Blast: A major explosion inside the Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar late Friday night claimed the lives of nine persons and left 32 others injured, in what authorities have confirmed was an accidental blast during an ongoing forensic procedure. The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m. on November 14.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat addressed the media on Saturday, stating that the blast took place while a team of experts was examining explosive materials recovered earlier this week from Haryana’s Faridabad. “This was an accidental explosion. Any speculation beyond this is unnecessary,” he said.

Who Were Among the Victims?

According to official details, those who lost their lives include:

• One officer from the State Investigation Agency (SIA)

• Two revenue officials who were part of the magistrate’s team

• Three personnel from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL)

• Two crime photographers

• One tailor working at the police facility

Among the injured are 27 police personnel, two revenue officials, and three civilians. All injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals, with several maintaining critical condition.

What Led to the Blast?

Earlier in the week, during raids linked to the investigation of an inter-State terror module, authorities recovered a large quantity of explosives, chemicals, and resin from Faridabad. These materials were transported to Srinagar and stored securely in an open area of the Nowgam Police Station for examination.

DGP Prabhat explained that due to the sensitive and unstable nature of the recovered substances, the forensic team was conducting careful sampling procedures over the past two days. The team had been working under strict safety protocols because the materials were considered volatile.

However, despite the precautions, a sudden explosion occurred during the sampling process.

“The cause behind this unfortunate incident is being thoroughly probed. The sampling and handling were being done with extreme caution, but the unstable nature of these substances poses inherent risks,” the DGP said.

Impact on the Surroundings

The explosion caused significant damage not only inside the police station but also to nearby residential and commercial buildings. Several structures sustained cracks, broken windows, and structural shocks due to the intensity of the blast.

“The full extent of the damage is being assessed by engineering teams,” authorities confirmed.

Emergency services, fire units, and disaster response teams rushed to the site shortly after the blast, securing the area and beginning rescue operations.

Investigation to Continue

Despite the incident, the investigation into the terror module case remains active. The forensic reports expected from the Nowgam Police Station sampling were crucial for advancing the probe, but officials say alternative procedures will be arranged to avoid delays.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have ordered a high-level inquiry to determine the exact technical cause of the blast and whether there were any lapses in safety protocols.

Public and Administrative Response

The tragic loss of trained investigative and forensic personnel has sparked concern across security agencies. Condolences have begun pouring in from various departments, acknowledging the dedication of those who were working on a high-risk assignment.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading rumors, emphasizing that the blast was not linked to external attacks, but was an internal accidental event during handling of volatile materials.