A devastating accidental explosion at the Nowgam police station on the outskirts of Srinagar claimed nine lives and injured 29 others on Friday night, November 14, 2025. The blast occurred during a routine forensic procedure as police and experts were extracting samples from a large cache of explosives seized earlier in connection with a terrorism investigation. CCTV footage captured the moment of detonation, showing a massive fireball erupting from the facility and sending shockwaves across the surrounding area. The intensity of the explosion scattered debris over a wide radius, with human remains reportedly found in neighbouring residential compounds up to 300 metres away.

The seized explosives originated from a major haul in Faridabad, Haryana, linked to a sophisticated "white-collar" terror module involving the banned outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. The Nowgam police station had played a pivotal role in cracking the case, which involved the discovery of Jaish-e-Mohammed posters in multiple locations across the region. Authorities confirmed that the materials were being handled in a designated area within the station premises when the mishap occurred, triggering an immediate emergency response. Firefighters battled intense flames amid thick plumes of smoke, while multiple vehicles parked nearby were engulfed and reduced to charred wreckage.

Eyewitness accounts revealed the explosion's far-reaching impact, with residents more than 15 kilometres away reporting that they felt the ground shake. Local hospitals were placed on high alert as the injured—comprising police personnel, forensic experts, and civilians—were rushed for treatment, some in critical condition. Preliminary investigations suggest procedural lapses may have contributed to the accident, prompting authorities to launch a detailed probe into safety protocols for handling high-risk seized materials. Security forces have cordoned off the site to facilitate evidence collection and prevent further incidents.

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The incident underscores the persistent risks faced by law enforcement in Jammu and Kashmir while managing recovered ordnance from counter-terrorism operations. Officials have assured a thorough review of explosive disposal guidelines to avert future tragedies, even as the region grapples with ongoing security challenges. The Nowgam station's earlier success in dismantling the terror module highlights the double-edged nature of such high-stakes policing, where breakthroughs in intelligence can inadvertently lead to unforeseen hazards during evidence processing. Community leaders have called for enhanced training and infrastructure to support safe handling of dangerous materials in sensitive areas.

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