Illegal Gunpowder Storage Uncovered After Explosion at Goa Ammunition Factory

Investigations into a fire-triggered explosion at a private ammunition factory in South Goa have revealed that nearly 11,000 kg of gunpowder was being stored illegally at the facility. According to the police, M/s Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, the owner of the factory, had stored the gunpowder without obtaining the necessary licenses from authorities. The explosion, which occurred on March 20 at the company’s warehouse in Naqueri-Betul village, destroyed 14.5 tonnes of gunpowder but fortunately caused no fatalities. The blast did, however, damage nearby homes with cracks.

The police investigation has revealed that the company failed to comply with regulations set forth by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), which is overseen by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The company had not secured proper permits for the transportation and storage of the explosive material. As a result of the violations, PESO suspended the company’s license to store gunpowder at the warehouse.

A complaint filed by the South Goa Deputy Collector accused the company’s management of negligence, which led to the dangerous fire and explosion. The Cuncolim police have initiated legal action against the company’s officials, charging them under provisions of the Indian Penal Code for endangering public safety and causing property damage.