Jaisalmer field explosion near army firing range, farmer narrowly escapes
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A powerful explosion struck a field in the canal belt under the Mohangarh police station area of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Thursday, 29 October 2026, sending shockwaves through the surrounding farmland. The blast was reportedly heard up to two to three kilometres away, triggering widespread panic among villagers. Shrapnel from the suspected explosive device also struck a tractor parked nearby.
Farmer's Narrow Escape
The farmer, Dwarkaram, was working in the field with his tractor when he noticed he had misplaced his mobile phone. He had stepped away from the vehicle to search for it when the explosion occurred. According to Dwarkaram, his father, Tulsaram, shouted at him to lie flat on the ground, fearing that another explosive might follow. A thick cloud of smoke quickly engulfed the field after the blast.
Fortunately, Dwarkaram escaped without injury and no casualties were reported. The tractor bore the brunt of the shrapnel impact, while the explosion left a crater approximately two feet deep in the ground.
Police and Army Respond
On receiving information about the incident, police personnel from the Mohangarh police station reached the site and promptly alerted the Army. Joint teams of police and Army personnel inspected the field and recovered remnants of the suspected explosive device. Notably, the Chandhan Field Firing Range — an active military training zone — is located in proximity to the Mohangarh area, a detail authorities are factoring into their investigation.
Previous Incidents in the Area
This is not the first such scare in the locality. According to villagers, suspected explosive objects had also fallen near the field approximately two years ago. This comes amid recurring concerns about unexploded ordnance in areas adjoining military firing ranges across Rajasthan's desert belt. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the origin of Thursday's explosive or the circumstances that triggered the detonation.
Investigation Underway
The exact cause and origin of the explosion remain unclear as of now. Authorities have not yet issued a formal statement attributing the blast to any specific source. Further investigation is expected to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the incident. The recovery of bomb remnants from the site suggests the object was an explosive device, though its provenance is yet to be officially confirmed.