New Delhi/Gurdaspur, March 1 -- Packages of ammunition that were being unloaded from railway wagons exploded at Bharoli railway station in the Pathankot military area at 8.15am on February 24, 1958, sparking a tragedy that killed an estimated 52 people.
The impact of the explosion was so great that wagons were blown to pieces, and bodies were thrown a long distance away. The explosion was followed by a serious fire, which could be controlled only after one hour by the fire brigade. The flames could be seen from a long distance, and thick columns of smoke reduced visibility to just one foot.
Military officers rushed to the scene to supervise the firefighting operations as the area was cordoned off, and rail and road traffic between Pathank...