In a tragic incident on Friday evening, a stockpile of confiscated explosives accidentally detonated at the Nowgam police station in Indian-administered Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and injuries to 32 others.

The explosion took place just before 23:20 local time (17:50 GMT) and was linked to explosives seized earlier in the week from Faridabad in Haryana. The director general of police for the region, Nalin Prabhat, described the incident as a very unfortunate mishap during handling prior to the explosives being sent for forensic examination.

Following the explosion, police issued a statement clarifying the event was accidental, rejecting any speculations of a terrorist involvement. Any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary, said the police chief during a press briefing.

The blast caused extensive damage not only to the police station itself but also to adjacent structures. Witness accounts described multiple vehicles engulfed in flames and debris strewn across the vicinity. Some body parts were reportedly located in houses located up to 200 meters away from the site of the explosion.

Among the deceased were police officers, forensic staff, two crime scene photographers, and a tailor who was accompanying their team. Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of the region appointed by the Indian government, expressed his condolences via social media and announced an inquiry to investigate the precise causes leading up to the accidental detonation.

Deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to extremely tragic accidental blast at Nowgam police station. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured, Sinha stated.