By Raju Vernekar
Mumbai, June 01:
The sixth anniversary of the accidental fire at the Indian Army’s Central Ammunition Depot (CAD) located at Pulgaon in Wardha district of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, in which 19 people were killed in May 2016, was observed by the CAD administration on Tuesday.
The massive explosions and fire that broke out at shed number 193, which stored 19,325 defective anti-tank mines, led to the deaths of 19 people, in the wee hours of May 31, 2016. The deceased included officers, Defence Security Corps (DSC) jawans, and some contract workers. An equal number of jawans were injured in the mishap.
In a function organized at Military station on Tuesday, a homage was paid to the nineteen Bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. On the occasion, the next of kin were honoured and provided with financial assistance.
In an outreach program free medical camp for the senior citizens of three old age homes of Pulgaon in association with Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, was organized, Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh said.
The CAD, Pulgaon is the second-largest ammunition depot in Asia. It was a place of minimal security risk till 2000. After the attack on the Parliament in 2001, the security of the area was increased, and all types of leisure activities surrounding the area were stopped.
There are two schools inside the military station -Kendriya Vidyalaya and Army Primary School, Pulgaon. Mostly children of military personnel study in these schools. After May 2016 fire, a memorial was set up within the complex spread over a 7000-acre area. Every year, the service personnel, as well as the civilians, visit the military station to pay homage to those killed in May 2016 fire.
