31 May, 2016: In a tragic incident, a major fire broke out in the depot at Pulgaon, Wadha District in Maharashtra. Atleast 20 people were killed after the fire broke out in the country’s biggest Central Ammunition Depot on Tuesday morning. Some of the Army Jawans were injured and few are critical, said the officials.
According to the sources, the residents of the nearby villages are immediately announced to evacuate as the fire have engulfed all over the area. The area now is restricted for anyone entry into the premises. The Army helicopters have been pressed into service for help in the emergency evacuation of the injured security personnel.
According to the source, the fire broke out at around 1:30 to 2 AM. The injured people were shifted to hospital for treatment.
The central ammunition depot in Maharashtra at Pulgaon is one of the India’s biggest ammunition depots as stocks from various factories comes here first and then distributed to other various factories. The Depot is located around 110 km from Nagpur. It recently got an award for using solar energy for disposing expired ammunition.
The sources said that the main fire broke out at one sheds has been extinguished. The situation is being stabilized. Secondary fire and explosions cannot be ruled out now and precautions are taken to control the fire, said the Army officer.
As per the report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Pained by loss of lives caused by a fire at central ammunition depot in Pulgaon, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.” “I pray that those who are injured recover quickly. Have asked RM @manoharparrikar to visit the spot & take stock of the situation,” he said.
