Fri Mar 21 15:22:53 UTC 2025: ## Goa Ammunition Factory Explosion Destroys 14.5 Tonnes of Gunpowder, License Suspended
**PANAJI, GOA –** A massive explosion at a Goa ammunition factory late Thursday night resulted in the destruction of 14.5 tonnes of gunpowder, causing damage to nearby houses but resulting in no reported casualties. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 PM at M/s Hughes Precision Manufacturing Private Limited in Naqueri-Betul village.
The blast, described as deafening by local residents, was powerful enough to crack the walls of several homes, according to Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa. The explosion’s cause remains under investigation, South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus confirmed. However, officials determined a fire in a magazine storing propellant ignited the explosion.
In swift action, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry suspended the factory’s license and issued a show-cause notice to the company, demanding a response within 21 days. Collector Cleetus has also prohibited public access to the explosion site to ensure public safety. The investigation into the cause of the fire and explosion is ongoing.
First Piper 