Digital Goa, Mar 21 – South Goa District Magistrate has prohibited public entry within an 800-meter radius of Survey.No. 82/1, Naquerim, Quepem until further orders. The restrictions have been imposed as exigency measures following huge fire at the gunpowder storage facility belonging to Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd yesterday night at around 10.30 pm. While no casualties were reported, authorities said the restrictions will be lifted only after obtaining clearance from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation(PESO). Fire & Emergency services and police personnel have also been deployed at the site. The Verna based company was using the facility to store propellant (gun powder) which is required for manufacturing small calibre ammunitions. The fire incident which took place yesterday evening destroyed approximately 14.5 tonnes of the propellant which was stored in one of the 2 magazines at the facility. As per locals there was a huge explosion and houses in the vicinity developed cracks. Flames from the fire were visible from distant villages. Meanwhile, PESO has issued show cause notice to Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd in the matter.
