April 21, 2026 02:11 am (IST)
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Pulgaon fire death toll rises to 18; minister rules out sabotage
Nagpur, Jun 1 (IBNS) Two more bodies were recovered from the fire-devastated army ammunition depot in Pulgaon, taking the death toll to 18, media reported.
The ammunition depot located in Pulgaon, about 115 kms away from Nagpur, in Maharashtra, caught fire around one am on Tuesday.
Even though the fire was brought under control much later in the day on Tuesday, two Army officers, a jawan and 13 civilian fire fighters had lost their lives.
Army sources said on Tuesday that two officers, nine Army Jawans and six civilian fire fighting staff were injured.
The injured personnel have been evacuated to Multi Speciality Hospital, Wardha and are undergoing medical treatment.
The medical condition of the injured personnel is reported to be stable.
The Army medical teams have been moved from Pune to provide specialist medical attention.
President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, on Wednesday, condoled the loss of lives at the Pulgaon fire.
In a message to Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao, Governor of Maharashtra, the President said “I am sad to know about the massive fire at the Central Ammunition Depot in Pulgaon, Wardha district of Maharashtra, in which some persons have lost their lives and many others are injured.
I understand rescue as well as relief operations are currently underway. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured and the families who have lost their near and dear ones.
I call upon the State Government and other authorities to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families as well as medical assistance to the injured.
Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons”.
Defence minister Manohar Parrikar and Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag visited Pulgaon on Tuesday to take stock of the situation.
Investigations are on to determine the cause of the fire but the defence minister has ruled out sabotage, according to media reports.
Defence personnel are also trying to asses the extent of damage caused to ammunition stored in this 'mother' depot.
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