Srinagar Police Station Blast Kills Nine During Explosives Inspection

A catastrophic explosion at Nowgam police station in Srinagar claimed nine lives and left approximately 28 people wounded on the night of November 14, 2025, officials confirmed. The blast occurred while forensic experts were examining confiscated explosive materials linked to a major counterterrorism investigation.

An Accident, Not an Attack

According to authorities, this was a tragic accident rather than a deliberate attack. Investigators believe the explosion happened during the examination process of ammonium nitrate that had been seized as part of an ongoing investigation into an interstate terror network. Emergency responders worked through the night to transport the injured to nearby medical facilities. Several victims are reportedly in serious condition.

What Triggered the Explosion

The explosive material under inspection came from arrests made in connection with what investigators describe as a "white-collar terror network." According to police sources, while the broader investigation has uncovered roughly 2,900 kilograms of bomb-making materials across various locations, the specific batch at Nowgam comprised around 360 kilograms retrieved from a Faridabad property linked to arrested suspects.

Security experts point out that ammonium nitrate becomes dangerously unstable when improperly stored or contaminated. Even standard examination procedures can trigger detonation if the material has degraded. Officials are now reviewing how the explosives were transported, stored, and handled to identify any procedural lapses.

Immediate Aftermath

The force of the blast shattered windows, ignited fires in multiple rooms, and scattered debris throughout the police compound. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as emergency personnel arrived to secure the area and begin rescue operations.

Among the casualties were police officers, forensic scientists, revenue department officials, photographers, and members of the state investigation agency, officials said. The diverse composition of victims reflects the collaborative nature of the examination process that was underway.

Connection to Wider Terror Investigation

This incident is part of a larger counterterrorism operation that has exposed a sophisticated network spanning multiple states, according to security officials. The explosives at Nowgam originated from Haryana, where authorities arrested several individuals, including medical professionals accused of involvement in the terror conspiracy.

The tragedy follows another devastating explosion just four days earlier near Delhi's Red Fort on November 10. That blast resulted in at least 13 fatalities and over 20 injuries. Investigators have established links between both incidents as they trace the movements of suspects and seized materials across the network.

Questions About Safety Protocols

Senior law enforcement officials have launched a formal inquiry into the handling procedures used with the confiscated explosives. The investigation will examine training protocols, storage facility standards, and forensic examination procedures to determine accountability and prevent similar disasters.

The inquiry aims to answer critical questions: Were proper containment measures in place? Did the material become unstable during transport? Were examination protocols adequate for such volatile substances?

Why This Tragedy Matters

This incident highlights the inherent dangers law enforcement faces when dealing with seized explosive materials. Even when terror plots are thwarted and dangerous substances are confiscated, the risk doesn't disappear.

The Nowgam explosion serves as a sobering reminder that counterterrorism work extends beyond arrests and seizures. It demands rigorous safety standards, specialized facilities designed for handling volatile chemicals, and continuous training for personnel who must work with these materials.

Kashmir police leadership has expressed condolences to affected families and committed to conducting a transparent investigation. As the probe continues, focus remains on understanding what went wrong and implementing safeguards to protect those who work to keep the public safe from terrorist threats.

Authorities are expected to release a preliminary inquiry report in the coming weeks. The findings will likely influence how police stations across India store and examine confiscated explosives, particularly as counterterrorism operations continue to uncover large caches of dangerous materials.