The blast occurred as officers, government officials and forensic experts were examining the seized materials. The powerful explosion ripped through the facility, causing extensive damage and triggering panic in the surrounding area.

Nalin Prabhat, the director general of police for the federally administered region of Jammu and Kashmir, confirmed the casualties, noting that among the dead were members of the police force, local government staff and forensic personnel.

The incident came just days after a separate car blast in New Delhi that killed eight people, heightening concerns about the handling and storage of explosive materials across the country.

Emergency teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, while an investigation has been launched to determine what triggered the fatal detonation. Authorities have also ordered a review of safety protocols for storing and inspecting seized explosives.