During a routine military exercise in Jaisalmer's Pokaran Field Firing Range on. Saturday evening, an Indian Air Force (IAF) missile veered off its intended target. The incident, which occurred around 4 PM, saw the missile land approximately 500 meters from Bhadariya village, located near the firing range. The impact generated a powerful explosion, the sound of which resonated for several kilometers, causing immediate panic among residents in the surrounding rural areas, particularly within Bhadariya village, which has a population of around 3,000.
Detailed Account of the Incident
The event was part of a regular military exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force, designed to test operational readiness and the accuracy of its weapon systems. On Saturday, during one such exercise at the Pokaran Field Firing Range, a missile was launched. However, for reasons yet to be determined, the missile deviated from its intended trajectory and landed outside the designated target area, while this deviation raised significant safety concerns, especially given the missile's proximity to a populated area, highlighting the inherent risks associated with live-fire drills.
Loud Explosion and Villager Panic
Upon hitting the ground, the missile caused a tremendous explosion that shook the entire locality, while residents of Bhadariya village, who are accustomed to the sounds of military exercises, described this particular blast as unusually loud and close. The intensity of the explosion prompted many villagers to rush out of their homes, seeking to understand what had transpired. Initial moments were marked by confusion and fear, as no one was immediately clear about the nature of the blast or whether there was an imminent danger, while villagers attempted to share information with each other, with everyone concerned for their safety and the well-being of their families.
Swift Response and Recovery Operations
Upon receiving news of the incident, local police and Indian Army teams were immediately mobilized. They swiftly proceeded to the scene, reaching the missile's landing site near Bhadariya village in a short span of time. The area was promptly secured to prevent any potential hazards and to ensure that no civilians approached the debris. Army officials assessed the situation and initiated a comprehensive search operation to ensure. There were no further threats and to recover all fragments of the misfired missile.
Debris Recovery and Investigation Initiated
During the search operation, army personnel successfully recovered the rear section of the missile's debris. This recovered fragment was loaded onto a pickup truck and transported to a secure location within the field firing range. The search for other smaller fragments of the missile continues, ensuring that no hazardous remnants are left exposed, while military sources have confirmed that an investigation into the causes of the missile misfire has been launched. The inquiry aims to ascertain whether the incident was due to a technical malfunction, human error, or any other factor that led the missile to deviate from its target.
No Casualties: A Major Relief
The most reassuring aspect of this incident is that no casualties or property damage have been reported. The missile landing 500 meters away from the village was a fortunate circumstance that averted a potential tragedy, while villagers breathed a sigh of relief, although the initial panic lingered. The army has assured the local population of their safety and pledged to take all necessary steps to prevent such occurrences in the future. This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols during military exercises, especially those involving live ammunition in proximity to civilian areas.
