UPPER DIR: A weapons and ammunition store in Wari police station was gutted and three constables were injured on Thursday night.

Sources said the store caught fire due to electricity short-circuit.

Witnesses said that as the store caught fire laud explosions were heard that created panic among the residents living in the neighbourhood.

Weapons of the police personnel, ammunition, rocket launchers and other arms were kept in the store.

People rushed to the police station as they heard explosions and saw flames rising in the sky. However, they were asked to stay away from the site due to expected explosion of ammunition and rocket launchers.

Police personnel, local residents, fire brigade staff of Wari and Dir and others took part in the rescue operation and controlled the fire from spreading to other government offices situated near the police station.

District police officer Mian Naseeb Jan said an inquiry team had constituted headed of SP investigations.

He said fortunately 70 per cent of weapons and ammunition remained safe.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2019