17 killed, 19 injured in major fire at ammunition depot in Maharashtra’s Pulgaon
NEW DELHI: A major fire at an ammunition depot in Maharashtra’s Pulgaon has killed 17 and injured 19. An investigation has been ordered into the incident. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who was in Pune, is reported to be rushing to Pulgaon to take stock of the situation.
The fire broke out between 1:30 and 2 am on Tuesday at the Central Ammunition Depot at Pulgaon, which is about 110 km from Nagpur.
Two officers and 15 Defence Security Corps (DSC) jawans are among those killed in the fire, said defence sources. The officers killed in the fire have been identified as Lt Col RS Pawar and Major K Manoj.
The injured include two officers and 17 DSC jawans.
Defence officials have said one shed at the ammunition depot caught fire. While the main fire has been extinguished, officials have not ruled out secondary fires and explosions. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is being established to look into the cause of the fire.
Citizens of the villages close to the depot have been evacuated for safety.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences to the families of the personnel killed in the incident. He tweeted:
“Pained by loss of lives caused by a fire at central ammunition depot in Pulgaon, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.”
“I pray that those who are injured recover quickly. Have asked RM @manoharparrikar to visit the spot & take stock of the situation.”
aharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said district administration officials have been directed to provide all assistance in dealing with the mishap and its fallout.
The Central Ammunition Depot at Pulagon is among the largest repositories of ammunition and ordnance in India.
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