Fire in Pulgaon army depot, which killed 16, completely doused, says military official

Watch: Two Officers, 15 Jawans Killed In Army Depot Inferno

The central ammunition depot at Pulgaon is one India’s biggest ammunition depot. It’s located around 110 km from Nagpur. It recently got an award for using solar energy for disposing expired ammunition.

Highlights: 

Maharashtra: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar meets people injured in #Pulgaon Central ammunition depot fire pic.twitter.com/sClwDoe2iK

— ANI (@ANI_news) May 31, 2016

5:30 pm: The cause of fire will be known after Army’s inquiry: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

4:30 pm: 16 personnel including two officers have lost their lives while 17 injured in the fire: DGMO.

4:00 pm: Fire at depot in Pulgaon has been completely doused and situation brought under control, says DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh.

1:37 pm:

Aftermath of the fire that broke out at central ammunition depot in Pulgaon (Maharashtra), houses suffered damage. pic.twitter.com/tp8nGGF9hq

— ANI (@ANI_news) May 31, 2016

11:35 pm: SIT constituted, Manohar Parrikar to visit site of accident.

11:17 am: Army Chief General Dalbir Singh leaves for Pulgaon.

11:13 am: Unfortunate incident. I’ve been given to understand that Defence Minister will be visiting site: Jitendra Singh (MoS PMO).

11:09 am:

We are providing whatever assistance and resources required, primarily medical assistance: Devendra Fadnavis pic.twitter.com/f0bizNmxsG

— ANI (@ANI_news) May 31, 2016

11:08 am: Unfortunate incident. We have suffered huge loss of lives & property.Have directed distt officials to extend whatever help possible: Devendra Fadnavis.

11:00 am:

I pray that those who are injured recover quickly. Have asked RM @manoharparrikar to visit the spot & take stock of the situation.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 31, 2016

11:00 am:

Pained by loss of lives caused by a fire at central ammunition depot in Pulgaon, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 31, 2016

10:55 am: At least 20 killed in the fire at Pulgaon.

Injured jawans being treated at a hospital. (Source: ANI)

10:48 am: At least 19 security personnel were injured in the fire that has spread to number of sheds that houses ammunition, bombs and other explosive items.

10:28 am: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar likely to visit Central ammunition Depot in Pulgaon (Maharashtra) where fire broke out last night.

10:16 am: Wardha Collector Shailesh Naval told The Indian Express, “Though a small fire is still on, there is apparently no further damage expected. Five villages around CAD, placed in the close vicinity, were evacuated immediately but as soon as the danger subsided, the villagers were restored back to their respective places.”

DSC jawans admitted to hospital. (Source: ANI)

10:15 am: CAD Pulgaon stores ammunition required for a huge range of arms from BrahMos missile to AK-47.

10:15 am: CAD Pulgaon is the biggest ammunition depot in the country and caters to the entire western sector of the army.

9:43 am: However, secondary fire and explosions have not been ruled out and precautions are being taken to control the fire.

9:43 am: The main site of the inferno, which is a shed which caught on fire, has been extinguished and attempts are being made to stabilise the situation.

9:41 am: Sources: Fire broke out between 1.30 to 2 am. 2 officers and 17 DSC injured. Fire fighting on.

9:37 am: 8 people killed and several injured in fire.

9:28 am: Main fire extinguished and situation is being stabilised.

9:27 am: Nearby villages evacuated.

9:25 am: Apart from being one of largest Indian Army ammunition depots, CAD Pulgaon also disposes off ammunition whose shelf life has expired.

9:10 am: 19 feared injured after fire breaks out in a military ammunition depot in Pulgaon, Wardha district.

(With inputs from ENS and agencies)