Reported By:
| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: May 31, 2016, 04:29 PM IST
At least 20 security personnel, including two Army officers, were on Tuesday killed in a massive fire that broke out at one of Asia's biggest ammunition depot in Maharashtra's Pulgaon that houses the largest stockpile of weapons in the country.
Two officers, including a Lieutenant Colonel, and 15 Defence Security Corp (DSC) jawans were among those killed in the blaze that started around 2 AM, an Army officer said.
Also, at least 19 security personnel were injured in the fire that has spread to a number of sheds that houses ammunitions, bombs and other explosive items. Some of them with burn injuries are in a critical condition, he said.
Video footage showed the raging fire lighting up the night sky.
Following a directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is in Pune, has rushed to the spot. Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag has also headed for the site.
People living in the nearby 15 villages including Zanzala, Pimpri, Agargaon have been evacuated and shifted to safe places.
The central ammunition depot at Pulgaon is India's biggest ammunition depot as stocks including bombs, grenades, shells, assorted rifles and other explosives from various factories comes here first and is then distributed to various forward areas. Pulgaon is 110 kms from Nagpur.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said there has been "large scale destruction" of lives and what was kept in the ammunition depot.
16 personnel including two officers have lost their lives while 17 injured in the fire: DGMO.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "It is an unfortunate incident. We have suffered a huge loss of lives & property."
He further added, "I have directed district officials to extend whatever help possible. We are providing whatever assistance and resources required."
My thoughts are with the bereaved families: PM Modi
Taking to micro-blogging site, PM Modi said, "Pained by loss of lives caused by a fire at central ammunition depot in Pulgaon, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the bereaved families"
He further added, "I pray that those who are injured recover quickly. Have asked RM Manohar Parrikar to visit the spot & take stock of the situation."
Pained by loss of lives caused by a fire at central ammunition depot in Pulgaon, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 31, 2016
I pray that those who are injured recover quickly. Have asked RM @manoharparrikar to visit the spot & take stock of the situation.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 31, 2016
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar likely to visit Central ammunition Depot in Pulgaon.
# Injured jawans, officers brought to hospital for treatment
# At least 19 people have been injured
# Nearby villages evacuated
# People are being rushed to safe places
Death toll in the fire accident in central ammunition depot is at 17, main fire extinguished and situation is being stabilised.
