Kashmir ammunition depot fire rage continues on second day

The fire that broke out at the ammunition depot in Khandroo army camp of Anantnag District on Saturday continued today with fire fighters still fighting to douse the flames.

Srinagar, Aug 12 : The fire that broke out at the ammunition depot in Khandroo army camp of Anantnag District on Saturday continued today with fire fighters still fighting to douse the flames.

Thousands of villagers in a radius of six kilometres have already been evacuated with army personnel involved in cordoning off the area, as shells and splinters fell in different directions in the areas.

The fire fighters may require one more day to completely douse it.

Sparks and sounds of explosion continued to be seen and heard on Sunday as nearby areas got covered in thick dark smoke.

On Saturday, two soldiers, involved in fire fighting, were killed after receiving injuries and close to thirty people were wounded in the incident.

The army is still clueless of the reason behind the outbreak of the huge fire, but has ruled out any sabotage by the militants.

Meanwhile, two militant groups, including the Hizb-ul Mujahideen and Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen, telephoned a local news agency and claimed responsibility for the fire.

Senior army and civil officials have rushed to the spot. The army is likely to order a court of inquiry into the incident.

ANI