By Riaz Hussain :
A series of powerful explosions at an army ammunition depot in Badarshi, near Nowshera Cantonment, shook the area and sent thick black clouds of smoke into the air.
The blasts were heard several kilometers away, spreading fear and panic as residents left their homes and moved to safer locations.
According to sources, expired mortar shells were being disposed of at the depot when a short circuit caused a fire, triggering explosion- and gunfire-like sounds.
Security agencies immediately cordoned off the area and tightened safety measures.
Police spokesperson Turk Ali Shah said the fire was quickly brought under control and the situation has now completely normalized.
Nowshera District authorities stated that no state of emergency has been declared in Nowshera and the situation remains under control,no loss of life or casualties has been reported.
The Nowshera Deputy Commissioner’s office has urged the public to avoid unnecessary movement around the depot. It further advised that if anyone finds a mortar shell or other suspicious object, they should not touch it and should immediately contact the authorities so it can be safely defused.
On May 31, 1991, a massive explosion at the army ammunition depot in Nowshera caused shells and rockets to be launched across the surrounding area for over five hours. It killed at least 8 people and injured more than 50. Thousands of residents fled, prompting a large-scale relief and evacuation effort.
