Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Mar 21: A powerful explosion rocked South Goa on Thursday night, destroying a warehouse storing explosives meant for a small-scale factory, officials confirmed.

The blast occurred around 10:30pm in the Naqueri-Betul area, causing extensive structural damage to nearby buildings and triggering panic among residents. While no casualties have been reported, the impact was severe enough to cause cracks in surrounding houses.

Firefighters and emergency teams rushed to the scene and managed to control the blaze within two hours. South Goa district collector Egna Cleetus assured that authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion.

Local leaders have raised concerns over the legality and safety compliance of the warehouse, with some alleging that it lacked proper permissions. However, company officials claim they had obtained approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).

Authorities are conducting a detailed probe to determine the cause of the explosion and assess the full extent of the damage.