By IANS
Srinagar : Elite bomb disposal squads of the Indian army are being flown here to remove un-exploded bombs and shells at the south Kashmir ordnance depot in the aftermath of its destruction in a blaze last week.
“A well coordinated plan to clear the area of debris and unexploded devices is underway,” said Lt. Col. A.K. Mathur, spokesman of the army’s 15 Corps here.
“Bomb disposal teams are being airlifted from other commands at the earliest,” Mathur said, adding the army together with the civil administration was conducting patrols to locate unexploded devices.
The state government has advised thousands of villagers who fled after the blaze at the Indian army’s field ordnance depot (FOD) not to return their homes unless the areas were declared safe by the bomb disposal squads of the army.
Meanwhile, investigations are on to ascertain what caused fire at the arms depot.
“An accidental fire is the most likely cause of the accident while subsequent enquiries will determine the exact cause,” said the spokesman while ruling out terrorist sabotage. “Terrorist action is categorically ruled out.”
The exact number of the casualties in the incident is still a mystery. However, according to the army spokesman three people were charred to death in the inferno.
“It is still not possible to ascertain exact details of casualties. Confirmed reports, however, indicate that two fire fighters of the depot and a civilian have died in the blaze,” Mathur said.
Eighteen people were injured and 10 of them were discharged after treatment, he said.
“Details would become clearer as the rescue and clearance operations unfold.”