Army officials said the cause of the fire is not known yet and have ordered an investigation.
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At least 17 defence personnel including two officers were killed and 19 others were injured when fire ravaged India’s biggest ammunition depot in Maharashtra’s Wardha district, officials said on Tuesday.
India’s military has a history of fires and other accidents that have been blamed on poor safety standards, including a fire on a submarine that left two officers dead off the coast of Mumbai in 2014.
“You (government) will wake up when people will die”, he said. The army said that by evening the fire had been completely extinguished.
Thousands of families living in the area had been evacuated from nearby towns and villages.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said there has been “large scale destruction” of lives and what was kept in the ammunition depot.
Army sources said on Tuesday thattwo officers, nine Army Jawans and six civilian fire fighting staff were injured. “Have asked RM @manoharparrikar to visit the spot & take stock of the situation”, the Prime Minister tweeted. The fire broke broke out at around 1.30 am on 30 May and engulfed the ammunition depot. Informing this in New Delhi yesterday evening, Director General of Military Operations Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh said, the cause of fire is yet to be ascertained.
The Pulgaon army ammunitions depot is reported to be the largest in the country and the second largest in Asia.
The fire erupted in one of the sheds at around 1 a.m. and fire-fighters as well as Quick Reaction Teams located inside the CAD rushed there to douse the conflagration as per laid down procedures.
The injured reportedly include the Commanding Officer of the depot who was leading efforts to protect the ammunition.
Indian Army chief General Dalbir Singh is also visiting the ammunition depot to take stock of the situation, media reported.
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“We express deep condolences to the families of the fearless hearts who have lost their lives while protecting and securing the important ammunition depot”, the release added.
