Srinagar, Nov 15 (KNS): Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Prashant Lokhande on Saturday said that the massive blast that rocked Nowgam Police Station late last night was an unfortunate accidental explosion that occurred while handling a large cache of recovered explosives.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Lokhande said the explosion took place at 11:20 pm on November 14 inside the Nowgam Police Station in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the police had recently cracked a terror module during the investigation of FIR No. 162/2025, which led to the recovery of a huge quantity of explosive substances and chemicals.

“The recovered material was being stored securely in an open area of the police station,” he said, adding that all agencies involved were working jointly in a coordinated and scientific manner.

Lokhande said that, as per standard procedure, the explosives were being packed and prepared for forensic and chemical examination, and because the recovery was voluminous, the process had been underway for the last two days.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“Owing to the unstable and sensitive nature of the material, it was being handled carefully under expert supervision,” he added.

However, during the ongoing process, an accidental blast occurred late Thursday night. “In this unfortunate incident, nine people have lost their lives, while 27 police personnel, two revenue officials and three civilians have been injured,” Lokhande said.

He added that all injured were immediately shifted to hospital for medical care.

He said the explosion severely damaged the police station building as well as some nearby structures. “The cause of the accident is being investigated. Any speculation regarding the incident is unnecessary,” he added.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Lokhande said the government stands firmly with the families of the deceased. “I express my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this hour of grief,” he said.(KNS)