A cache of confiscated explosives detonated inside a police station in Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing at least nine people and injuring 32 others, police said on Saturday.

The blast occurred in the Nowgam area of Srinagar, the region’s main city, late Friday when a team of forensic experts and police were examining the explosive material, said Nalin Prabhat, the region’s police director-general.

He ruled out any foul play, saying it was an accident.  

“Any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary. In this unfortunate incident, nine people have lost their lives,” he said to the media on Saturday.

Most of the dead were police and forensic officials.

Some of the injured were in critical condition, police said.

The huge blast ripped through the police station, setting it and multiple vehicles on fire.

According to the news agency Press Trust of India, small successive explosions prevented immediate rescue operations.

India and Pakistan each administer a part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety.

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhi’s rule since 1989.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

Pakistan denies the charge, and many Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle.

AP video by Dar Yasin