Pune: Improper Ammunition Disposal at AFK Leads to Blast, Triggers Inquiry

Khadki, 26th February 2025: The Ammunition Factory Khadki (AFK) has initiated an internal investigation into the improper disposal of ammunition that led to a massive explosion last week. The blast, triggered by grenades and other ordnance, caused extensive damage to the disposal site, with debris, including metal sheets from the roof, being propelled several hundred meters, sources confirmed.

According to factory insiders, the explosion could have led to an even more serious disaster, as it occurred just a few hundred meters from high-explosive storage facilities, other defense units, and residential quarters within the factory premises.

Sources familiar with the incident revealed that a significant quantity of high-explosive ammunition was disposed of in an unscientific manner at a site typically used for small arms disposal. “This time, they attempted to detonate a large volume of different types of ammunition without following proper protocols,” a source stated. The resulting blast sent shockwaves through nearby areas, shattering windows and alarming residents.

A resident living in AFK quarters described the terrifying moment: “We had no idea what was happening. The explosion was so loud that we feared a major accident had taken place inside the factory.”

Following the explosion, AFK authorities sought assistance from fire brigades of the Khadki Cantonment Board, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to control the fire that erupted in the aftermath.

A senior fire officer who responded to the scene recounted, “We received an emergency call from AFK on the afternoon of February 18. Upon arrival, we found several unexploded grenades near the structures where discarded ammunition had been stored. Our immediate focus was to contain the fire, which had spread to dry grass on the factory campus. Residents also reported that their windows had been damaged by the force of the blasts. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.”

The incident has once again raised concerns about safety practices at AFK, especially in the wake of the deadly explosion at the Ordnance Factory in Bhandara in January, which claimed the lives of eight workers.
Factory officials emphasized that strict safety protocols are in place for handling ammunition. “We work with highly sensitive explosives, and safety is always our top priority. However, initial assessments indicate multiple lapses in the disposal process. These will be thoroughly investigated,” an official stated.

As per standard procedures, workers are required to obtain clearance from senior authorities before disposing of defective or surplus ammunition, and there are established methods to ensure safe disposal. “Any deviation from protocol can have severe consequences. The inquiry will determine what went wrong and who is responsible,” the official added.