Could the Detonator Have Slipped? Defence Expert Analyzes Nowgam Police Station Blast
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Synopsis
In a tragic incident at the Nowgam Police Station, a defence expert highlights the dangers of mishandling explosives, stressing that minor errors can have dire consequences. With nine lives lost, the implications of this accident raise critical safety concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Accidental explosion caused by mishandling of explosives.
- Nine lives lost and several injuries reported.
- Importance of stringent safety measures in handling sensitive materials.
- Authorities confirm no terrorism link to the incident.
- Investigations focusing on technical assessment of the mishap.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (NationPress) Following the significant accidental explosion at the Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar, retired defence expert Captain Anil Gaur described the incident as a severe case of mishandling during the examination of explosives. He cautioned that even a minor error can lead to disastrous outcomes when dealing with sensitive materials.
“This unfortunate event has resulted in the loss of nine personnel, with approximately 27 police officers sustaining injuries... Reports suggest that a detonator may have accidentally discharged while being handled,” Captain Gaur informed IANS.
He elaborated on the potential sequence of events, indicating that explosive teams had been analyzing and sampling recovered explosives and weapons for the past two days, where a single error could trigger a deadly explosion.
“It appears that the detonators might have slipped from someone's grip, leading to the blast. Ammonium nitrate isn’t explosive until detonated. Detonators are extremely sensitive—when one detonates, it can cause others to ignite, leading to a chain reaction with more explosives. Handling such materials demands utmost caution, and detonators should never be stored alongside main explosives. The incident occurred due to mishandling,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat dismissed any links to terrorism and characterized the blast as an unfortunate accident. During a press conference at the Police Control Room, he referred to some circulating theories as “unnecessary speculation.”
The DGP clarified, “A substantial quantity of explosive material from Faridabad was secured at Nowgam Police Station in an open area. Due to the large volume of recovered materials, the sampling process had been ongoing for two days prior to the explosion.”
He noted that the seized materials were being handled with extreme care due to their unstable nature.
“Regrettably, around 11:20 PM on Friday, an accidental explosion occurred with the seized materials. Any further speculation regarding the cause of this incident is unwarranted. Tragically, nine individuals have perished, including one member of the Special Investigation Agency, two revenue officials, three personnel from the FLS team, two crime branch photographers, and a tailor,” he stated.
As investigators focus on technical evaluations, both experts and law enforcement have underscored that the tragedy appears to stem from an accidental chain reaction during the sampling process.
Point of View
I must emphasize that this tragic incident serves as a grave reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols when handling explosives. The loss of lives due to negligence is unacceptable, and it is crucial that we scrutinize the procedures in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
NationPress
15/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the explosion at Nowgam Police Station?
The explosion is believed to have resulted from mishandling of a detonator during an examination of recovered explosives.
How many people were affected by the blast?
Nine individuals lost their lives, and around 27 police personnel sustained injuries in the incident.
Is there a link to terrorism?
The Jammu and Kashmir DGP has dismissed any terror angle, labeling the blast an unfortunate accident.
