Panic in Villages as Missile Part From Army Drill Crashes Near Homes in Jaisalmer
Missile debris from a routine defence drill fell near Jaisalmer village, sparking panic but no casualties.
A fragment of a missile detached and fell outside designated boundaries during a routine Indian Army training exercise at the Pokhran Field Firing Range on Saturday, landing approximately 500 metres from Bhadariya village in the Lathi area and causing a massive explosion that echoed across several kilometres. The incident sparked momentary panic among residents of nearby villages, who reported hearing a thunderous boom and seeing smoke rising from the desert site. Defence officials confirmed no casualties or property damage occurred, emphasising that the mishap posed no threat to civilian life.
The missile was fired as part of scheduled drills when it reportedly veered off course, with the separated portion impacting soft sand within the broader range limits but marginally beyond the active firing zone. Local police SHO Rajendra Kumar clarified that the debris landed inside the notified field firing area, downplaying any breach of safety protocols. Army and Air Force rapid-response teams, supported by local police, immediately cordoned off the site upon receiving alerts from villagers.
Recovery operations commenced swiftly, with specialised personnel retrieving the missile fragment and transporting it back to the range in a secure pickup vehicle. Authorities conducted thorough sweeps to ensure no additional debris remained, while reassuring locals through door-to-door visits that the exercise would continue under heightened monitoring. The Pokhran range, a historic site for India’s nuclear tests and missile trials, routinely hosts such high-intensity drills involving advanced weaponry.
Also Read: Indian Army Soldier Killed on Train After Dispute Over Blanket, NHRC Seeks Accountability
Defence spokespersons described the event as a rare but manageable technical glitch common in live-fire testing, with no compromise to operational readiness. An internal inquiry has been launched to analyse telemetry data and prevent future occurrences, even as routine training resumed Sunday morning. The incident highlights the delicate balance between military preparedness in border regions and civilian safety in proximity to one of Asia’s largest firing ranges.
As Jaisalmer’s desert communities return to normalcy, the episode underscores the Indian armed forces’ commitment to transparent protocols and quick containment. With no injuries reported and the site fully secured, officials have urged residents to adhere to range notifications, reinforcing public trust in the nation’s defence exercises along the sensitive India-Pakistan border.
Also Read: Encounter Erupts in J&K’s Kishtwar as Security Forces Engage Terrorists in Chhatru Area
