Panic spread among residents after an explosion rocked the area near the Nalagarh police station in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. Officials confirmed that no one was injured and there were no casualties in the incident.

The blast was powerful enough to shatter the windows of nearby buildings. However, authorities said the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear.

Area Evacuated as Precaution

Soon after the blast, police evacuated people from the surrounding area and sealed it off as a safety measure. The aim was to prevent any further risk while investigations were carried out.

After receiving information, Baddi Superintendent of Police and other senior officers reached the spot. Forensic teams were also called in to examine the site and collect evidence.

Chief Minister Rules Out Terror Angle

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu dismissed any possibility of a terror-related incident.

“There is no question of a big bomb or terrorist incident. The blast occurred at a place where scrap was stored. It could be due to gas or some other reason. The Forensic Science Laboratory team is investigating, and details will be shared after the report. As of now, there is no cause for concern,” Sukhu said.

Blast Occurred Behind Police Station: SP

Baddi SP Vinod Dhiman said the explosion occurred at around 9.40 am on Thursday. He explained that the site was located behind the police station and was not part of police department property.

“The blast took place around 9.40 am on Thursday morning and the forensic team has collected samples from different locations. The explosion took place on land located behind the police station and not on police department property. There is a large accumulation of garbage as well as scrap at the site. At this stage, we cannot rule out the possibility of splinters or some explosive material being involved. A few trees in the vicinity were partially damaged due to the impact.”

Damage Reported, No Injuries Confirmed

The SP confirmed that no injuries or deaths were reported. However, the blast caused damage to nearby structures.

“While there have been no casualties, the glass in the police station’s investigation officer room was shattered. The glass in a canteen 40 to 45 metres away has also been shattered,” he added.

He said the exact cause of the explosion and the chemicals involved would only be known after the forensic report is submitted.

No Threat Calls, CCTV Footage Under Review

Police clarified that no threatening emails or calls were received before the blast. They also said there is no initial evidence suggesting deliberate mischief.

“No email or threatening call has been received so far and prima facie, no mischief of throwing explosives has been found. The CCTV footage are being scanned and investigations are underway,” the SP said.

Scrap Material May Be Linked to Blast

Officials said the large amount of scrap stored at the site could be a factor behind the explosion.

“Lot of scrap is also piled in this area and explosion from paint or any other material is also a possibility”, he said, adding that scrap dealers have been instructed to follow safety norms and avoid negligence.

Police Ask Residents to Stay Alert

The SP urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities. He appealed to people to inform the police if they notice any suspicious activity.

He assured that there is no atmosphere of panic and said there is nothing to worry about. Police, he added, will thoroughly investigate the incident and get to the root of the case.