19 Killed in Fire in Pulgaon’s Central Ammunition Depot

A fire broke out at Central Ammunition Depot in Pulgaon, 110 km away from Nagpur. (Photo: ANI Screengrab)

The fire in the Central Ammunition Depot in Pulgaon is now under control and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is expected to visit the site. According to The Indian Express, a small fire is still burning, but is unlikely to cause fresh damage.

19 people, including two officers (Lieutenant Colonel RS Pawar and Major K Manoj), four DSC jawans and 13 fire fighters have been killed in the massive fire in Pulgaon, Maharashtra. 17 people have been injured.

A number of jawans were injured in the blaze. (Photo: ANI screengrab)

A fire broke out in the arms depot, 110 km away from Nagpur, Maharashtra between 1.30 and 2 am on Monday. The depot is one of the country’s largest and caters to the entire western section of the army.

Times Now  reported that the fire spread after secondary explosions. A probe has been ordered into the matter.

The main fire at one of the sheds has been extinguished. The situation is being stabilised. Secondary fire and explosions cannot be ruled out now.

Army Officer

Nearby villages have been evacuated. Army Chief General Dalbir Singh has left for Pulgaon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to those who lost their lives on Twitter and “prayed” that the injured recover quickly.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the government is providing the necessary assistance.

Devendra Fadnavis. (Photo: ANI screengrab)