April 19, 2024 22:12 (IST)
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Massive fire at Pulgaon army ammo depot leaves 16 dead
Nagpur, May 31 (IBNS): A massive fire at a military ammunition depot in Pulgaon, which is some 115 kms away from Nagpur in Maharashtra, on Tuesday morning left two Army officers, a jawan and 13 civilian fire fighters dead.
The fire has been completely doused and situation is brought under control.
However, in efforts to douse the fire, two officers, one Army jawan and 13 civilian fire fighting staff lost their lives.
According to government statement, two officers and 15 personnel were also 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.
The cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained. Actions to assess the damage are in progress.
An inquiry has been ordered by the Army.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and senior defence officials have visited the site to take stock and review the situation.
"We express deep condolences to the families of the brave hearts who have lost their lives while protecting and securing the important ammunition depot," a government statement said.
The depot is spread over an area of more than 7000 acres and is an important ammunition depot of the Indian Army. It stores a variety of ammunition in numerous sheds located in the depot.
As per initial reports, the fire started in one of the sheds and immediate action was taken by the fire fighting parties and Quick Reaction Teams located in the depot by putting the fire fighting mechanism into place as per the laid down procedures.
This restricted the fire to one shed only which contained highly sensitive ammunition.
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