Massive Indian Ammo Dump Erupts in Giant Fireball, Inquiry Underway

Sputnik News

16:35 31.05.2016(updated 17:21 31.05.2016)

A giant explosion and ensuing flames claimed the lives of 16 people at the largest Indian ammo dump in Pulgaon, located 115 km from Nagpur.

Among the dead were two army officers and 14 Jawan Defense Security Corps personnel. The explosion took place at the Army's Central Ammunition Depot (CAD) in Pulgaon. Seventeen others including nine army officers were injured in the blast.

According to Indian Army, the fire broke out around 1:00 AM in one of the sheds of the ammunition depot and spread rapidly to other areas. The fire has already been extinguished. Most of the casualties occurred during the extinguishing process.

The CAD at Pulgaon, spread over 10,000 hectares, is India's largest and Asia's second largest ammunition depot, housing a variety of arms and ammunition including the BrahMos missiles.

Earlier today, Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar and Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag visited the site.

The Indian Army ordered a Court of Inquiry to assess the cause of the fire, which has not yet been identified.

© Sputnik