Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have sealed off the area surrounding Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar as forensic teams and security forces continue their investigation into the explosion that killed nine people and left 32 others injured. The blast, which occurred late Friday night, caused significant structural damage and has prompted a detailed on-site forensic examination aimed at determining how the incident unfolded.

Officials confirmed that teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), alongside security personnel, are combing through debris and collecting evidence to piece together the sequence of events. The site has been cordoned off to preserve crucial material that could provide clarity on the cause of the explosion.

According to preliminary findings shared by Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, the blast appears to have been accidental. He urged the public and media to refrain from speculation, emphasizing that early indicators point to an inadvertent explosion during a routine, mandated forensic procedure carried out inside the police station.

The tragedy claimed the lives of nine individuals involved in the operation. Among the deceased were one officer from the State Investigation Agency (SIA), three FSL personnel, two crime-scene photographers, two revenue department officials assisting the magistrate’s team, and a tailor who was present for procedural tasks related to the ongoing investigation. The injured were quickly shifted to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in Srinagar, where medical teams are continuing to provide treatment to those hurt in the accident.

In the aftermath of the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep grief and assured that the government would extend full support to the families of the victims. According to an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, Abdullah has directed J-K Education and Health Minister Sakina Itoo to oversee and ensure the highest standards of treatment for the injured. He also pledged that the government would compensate for the structural damage caused by the blast.

The blast has raised serious concerns about the handling and storage of explosive material during investigative procedures. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah urged that the incident must be followed by a comprehensive and independent probe. He suggested that lapses in the initial handling of explosive material may have contributed to the fatal accident, stressing that such mistakes must not be repeated.

Calling for accountability and reform, Farooq Abdullah highlighted the need for better protocols and stronger safeguards when dealing with sensitive materials in police stations and forensic environments. Multiple residential structures in the vicinity of the police station were also damaged by the force of the explosion, further underscoring the scale of the incident and the need for strengthened safety mechanisms.

As investigators continue their detailed forensic analysis, the incident remains a stark reminder of the risks faced by personnel who work with hazardous materials in the line of duty. With the area under tight security, forensic teams are expected to remain on-site until a clearer picture of the cause and circumstances of the explosion emerges.

Further updates are anticipated as the investigation progresses, with authorities promising transparency and an exhaustive inquiry into the tragic event.