The explosion occurred around 11:20 p.m. on 14/11 at the Nowgam police station in Srinagar, Kashmir, northern India. It resulted in a large fire that engulfed the premises and ignited several nearby vehicles. Rescue workers recovered six bodies from the scene, and identification is underway. Emergency services transported 24 police personnel and three civilians to hospitals across the city. Officials warn the death toll could rise, as five victims are in critical condition.

Scene at the police station after the explosion on the night of 14/11. *Photo: Times of India*

Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the explosion, but Srinagar officials stated they are conducting an investigation. An official indicated that police had previously seized and stored nearly three tons of improvised explosive device (IED) materials at the station. The blast reportedly occurred during the process of sampling these explosives for forensic examination. Most of those killed were officers and forensic personnel present at the police station.

This incident, though appearing accidental, comes during a period of rising tension in India. Earlier this week, a car exploded in the capital, New Delhi, killing at least 13 people. The Indian government characterized that event as a "terrorist attack". Following the New Delhi blast, Indian security agencies arrested several suspects in Kashmir as part of their ongoing investigation.

Vu Hoang (*According to NDTV, Reuters, Hindu*)