Srinagar, Nov 15: In a tragic turn of events that has shaken the Valley, a massive explosion inside the Nowgam Police Station late Friday night killed nine people and left 32 others injured, many of them critically. The blast occurred just a day after security forces blew up the house of the alleged key accused in the recent Delhi blast case, leaving the region tense and emotionally charged.
The explosion at Nowgam so powerful that it sent a blazing fireball into the night sky ripped through the police station building, shattered nearby windows, and caused panic in the neighbourhood. Rescue teams worked through smoke and flames, pulling out injured personnel and civilians as wails rose from surrounding homes.
A Night of Horror
The blast was triggered during the examination of volatile chemicals and explosive material seized earlier in connection with an ongoing investigation. Officials confirmed that the explosion was accidental, caused by the highly unstable substances being analysed by forensic experts.
Locals described the scene as “unimaginable devastation,” with one resident saying, “The ground shook like an earthquake. We could only hear cries for help.”
LG, CM and Political Leaders Express Deep Grief
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound sorrow and announced ₹10 lakh ex-gratia for families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for the injured. He also ordered a high-level probe into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
“This incident has caused immense pain to all of us. The administration stands firmly with the bereaved families,” the LG said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the blast was “a tragic reminder of the dangerous nature of seized explosives” and called for strengthening safety protocols. He expressed deepest condolences to the affected families.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said the Valley was enduring “back-to-back traumatic events,” urging for a transparent probe and accountability.
A Valley in Mourning
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti termed the incident “heartbreaking,” highlighting the extreme risks faced by police and forensic teams.
People’s Conference chairman Sajad Lone described the tragedy as “gut-wrenching” and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
The back-to-back destructive events the demolition of a terror-accused’s house one day earlier and the deadly Nowgam blast the next have left the Valley emotionally exhausted. Hospitals saw long queues of volunteers offering blood, while mosques announced special prayers for the victims.
Families waited outside hospitals through the night, many collapsing in grief as the list of the deceased began to emerge.
Inquiry Launched
Authorities have constituted a multidisciplinary investigation team to determine procedural lapses, technical failures, and safety violations. New handling protocols for explosive materials are expected to be implemented across all units in the coming days.
As the Valley mourns the dead and prays for the injured, these two consecutive days of destruction have renewed calls for extreme caution, accountability, and stronger safeguards to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Report: Mansoor Qadir, ITN.
