An explosion has occurred in Kashmir as police were handling seized explosive material linked to a recent terror blast in Delhi
Nine people were killed and over 30 injured in a powerful explosion at a police station in Nowgam, Kashmir, on Friday. According to Indian media reports, authorities called it an “accidental explosion” and said a probe was underway to determine the cause.
The blast occurred around midnight while police officers and a Forensic Science Laboratory team were inspecting material recovered in a case linked to a car blast in Delhi earlier this week, which killed at least 13 people and was classified as an act of terror by the Indian government.
According to PTI news agency, the samples of explosive were seized recently in Faridabad, a city in Haryana state, bordering the country’s capital territory, in connection with the Delhi blast.
The latest explosion reportedly took place during the sampling process. The footage from a nearby camera showed a bright flash and a burst of fire. A shockwave then hit parked vehicles before smoke and debris filled the frame.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat was quoted by Hindustan Times on Saturday as saying the police station suffered major damage and nearby buildings were also affected.
Prabhat told reporters that the material being handled included a “huge quantity of explosive substances, chemicals and reagents” and said the team was working with “utmost caution.”
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The police official emphasized that the investigation would continue and “any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary.” Security around the police station was tightened following the blast, according to local media. The victims included one employee of the State Investigation Agency, three members of the forensics team, two crime scene photographers, two revenue officials who were part of the magistrate’s team, and a tailor associated with the group, Prabhat said.
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