Three villages, surrounding Pulgaon Army Central Ammunition depot in Wardha district, have been vacated after the explosion early morning today.
According to Sandhya Meshram, a school teacher from Loni village (13 km from the Pulgoan Army Depot), a loud sound of explosion was heard at around 1.45 am on Tuesday.
“The sound of explosions was followed by intense smoke. Many of us thought that it was an earthquake and came out of our houses,” Ms. Meshram told The Hindu .
According to some local sources, Agargaon, Pipari and Nagjhari village, which are situated within five kilometers of the army depot, have either been vacated or the villagers decided to move to a safer location.
According to Wardha district collector Shailesh Nawal, the exact number of casualties could be ascertained by the army only.
“But there are some casualties. Nineteen injured people have been admitted to a hospital in headquarters out which two are serious,” he informed.
When asked about the reports of 17 people being killed, the collector said, “It is possible but the exact number is yet to be ascertained. The rescue operation is still on although the fire is in control now. But it would not be proper to comment about it before the official version from the army.”
According to some sources, the explosions were triggered by a fire which may have been caused due to some short circuit.
According to some unconfirmed reports, the deceased include army officer R.S Pawar and Manoj K.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Army chief Dalibir Singh are likely to visit Pulgaon later in the day.
