J-K: 14 soldiers injured in explosion at army training school

At least 12 soldiers were injured, seven of them critically, in an "accidental" explosion at an Army camp in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Saturday.

At least 14 soldiers were injured in an explosion at an army training centre in south Kashmir's Awantipora area, 20km from Srinagar, on Saturday.

Injured army personnel being airlifted to the army’s base hospital in Srinagar from the CBS army headquarters after an ‘accidental’ grenade explosion during training at Khrew in Pampore area of Pulwama district on Saturday. PTI PHOTO

Initial reports said seven soldiers were critically injured in an accidental grenade explosion during training in Corps Battle School (CBS) Letapora, Khrew.

According to police sources, seven others received minor injuries.

The critically injured soldiers were airlifted to 92 Base Hospital at Badamibagh Cantonment in Srinagar for treatment. Others were given first-aid and are stable.

While the army has not commented on the cause of the blast, an inquiry has been ordered.

According to the police sources, the explosion occurred due an explosive device that went off during training. "The explosion occurred due to mishandling of an explosive device and there are no reports of any sabotage," an official said.

CBS Khrew is situated inside the camp of the 50th battalion of Rashtriya Rifles, which is engaged in counter-insurgency operations.