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Bharatpur fire doused, Fernandes briefs PM

Three bomb disposal squads from different parts of the country reached Bharatpur today to defuse unexploded 'bombs' as the fire at the ammunition depot was completely doused.

A team of ammunition and fire experts led by Maj Gen C B Sukhi of the School of Artillery, Deolali, has also arrived to begin the court of inquiry, army sources said.

In Delhi, Defence Minister George Fernandes, who returned last night from Bharatpur, met Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and briefed him about the steps taken to contain the blaze.

At least three people were killed and ammunition worth millions of rupees destroyed in the fire.

An army spokesman said recovery and damage control was in full swing at Bharatpur and there were no more explosions.

The civil administration has confirmed that two civilians were killed and two injured in the fire. No army personnel has been injured or killed, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Director General of Ordnance Services Lt Gen S K Bhatnagar, who also returned to the capital after supervising the rescue operations, said the situation was now under control.

The last explosion, he said, took place at 1730 hours last evening and defence personnel were now busy clearing the depot.

Villagers in areas surrounding the depot have begun returning to their homes.

While senior defence officials have ruled out sabotage, preliminary investigations point out to a fire in a heap of grass outside the depot which was carried in by high-velocity winds.

Close to 10,000 tonnes of ammunition for small arms, armour and artillery was destroyed in the blaze.

Army sources said the equipment lost included 155-mm, 130-mm and 120-mm shells, anti tank shells and multi-barrel rocket launcher shells, many of which were imported.

UNI

EARLIER REPORTS
Bharatpur fire brought under control
Fire at ordnance depot claims 3 lives

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