A powerful explosion inside the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station in Peshawar on Sunday resulted in the martyrdom of one policeman and injuries to two others. The blast caused significant damage to a section of the building, spreading panic among officers stationed nearby. Emergency response teams quickly arrived at the site, shifting the injured to a hospital while securing the area for further investigation. The sound of the explosion was heard across surrounding neighborhoods, prompting immediate concern among residents.
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Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Dr. Saeed confirmed that the explosion was triggered by a short circuit in the explosives stored within the building. He dismissed circulating rumours of a terrorist attack, clarifying that no external assault occurred. The CCPO emphasized that the incident appeared accidental but warranted a detailed technical investigation. He further explained that at the time of the explosion, three CTD personnel were present in the facility, one of whom embraced martyrdom while two sustained injuries.
Following the blast, four accused individuals detained inside the lock-up were safely transferred to another secure location to prevent any further danger. A special investigation team from the CTD promptly arrived to assess the situation and collect forensic evidence from the scene. The team examined the damaged area, gathered remains of the explosive materials, and coordinated with experts to determine the sequence of the incident. Their findings are expected to play a crucial role in identifying possible safety lapses in storage procedures.
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Moreover, the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) assisted investigators in recovering explosive remnants from the debris and ensuring the site was cleared of potential hazards. CCTV footage from nearby areas is being thoroughly reviewed to reconstruct the exact chain of events leading up to the explosion. Investigators are also analyzing electronic systems to confirm whether an electrical malfunction directly caused the blast or if other technical faults contributed to the accident.
In addition, police have begun recording statements from officers who were inside the station when the explosion occurred. Their testimonies will help establish a clearer picture of what happened in the moments before and after the blast. Authorities have pledged to implement stricter safety protocols for handling and storing explosives in all CTD facilities to prevent future mishaps. The incident has once again highlighted the inherent risks faced by law enforcement personnel in their daily line of duty.