Jammu & Kashmir Shocked as Deadly Blast Rocks Nowgam Police Station, Srinagar

Srinagar: A devastating blast rocked the outskirts of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, on Friday night at the Nowgam Police Station, resulting in massive casualties and widespread panic. Reports confirm that at least nine people were killed, and more than 29 others sustained serious injuries.

The explosion occurred when police and forensic teams were collecting samples from a large cache of explosives recently recovered from a doctor in Faridabad, Haryana. CCTV footage from nearby homes captured the terrifying moment of the blast and the destruction that followed. Firefighters struggled to control the blaze as thick smoke enveloped the area.

Casualties Include Police, Forensic Experts, and Officials
Among the deceased were one Sub-Divisional Magistrate (executive magistrate) and a local tailor. Authorities have confirmed that nine lives were lost, including one Sub-Inspector, three forensic officers, two crime wing officers, and two revenue department officials. Some bodies were severely burned, making identification a difficult and time-consuming task. The injured were rushed to Army’s Base Hospital at Badami Bagh and other nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.

Explosions Continued in Intervals
Witnesses reported that the explosions continued intermittently even after the initial blast, putting rescue and firefighting teams at grave risk. Several fire personnel had to repeatedly retreat due to smaller follow-up explosions.

Scenes of Horror and Destruction
CCTV footage shows heavy debris scattered across the police station premises, several vehicles set ablaze, and, shockingly, human remains reportedly thrown as far as 300 meters into neighboring homes. Locals described hearing a deafening roar and witnessing thick smoke and flames. Some residents as far as 15 kilometers away reported feeling tremors and hearing the explosion. Panic spread as people rushed out of their homes, fearing a terrorist attack.

While initial reports suggested a possible terrorist strike, later investigations indicate that the explosion occurred during the handling of the seized explosives, making the incident appear to be a tragic accidental detonation. Authorities continue to investigate the matter.