Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether it is a fact that a major fire accident occurred in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory at Chandipur, Odisha recently;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it is also a fact that an investigation has been carried out to unearth the reasons for the said fire accident; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. A fire accident took place in Magazine No.AL-18 (HD 1.3) on 29th April 2013 in Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur (Odisha). The fire was brought under control and its spread to other Magazines was checked. The stored ammunition of the affected Magazine (approximately 14.8 tons) was completely burnt. No damage to any other adjoining property or any casualty was reported.

(c) & (d): Investigation Committee has been constituted to investigate into the circumstances under which the Magazine caught fire. The work of the investigation Committee is in progress.

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