Twenty-five jawans of a Special Task Force patrolling party had a miraculous escape when a group of naxalites triggered a powerful landmine blast and later fired at them, near Pendhari forest in Gadchiroli district early Tuesday, police said.

The incident took place when policemen, numbering 13 and 12 were travelling in two separate anti-landmine vehicles, after completing an anti-naxal operation, police said.      

The landmine blasts triggered by the naxals, tossed one of the vehicles in the air to about 20 to 25 feet, police said, adding that a group of about 50 to 60 naxalites opened fire on the STF personnel. However, no one was injured in the firing.

The impact of the blast was so severe that it created a five to six feet deep crater at the blast spot. The commandos in the vehicle thrown in the air, suffered minor injuries, sources said, adding, Combing operations have been launched, with senior police officials monitoring the situation.

The exchange of fire continued till the naxals fled into the jungles, police said.