Two Agniveers killed as shell explodes during firing practice in Nashik

The incident occurred at the Artillery Centre in the Nashik Road area on Thursday afternoon, an official said.

Nashik: Two Agniveers were killed when a shell from an Indian field gun exploded during firing practice at the Artillery Centre in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Friday.

The deceased were identified as Agniveer Gohil Vishvarajsinh and Agniveer Saikat, both gunners from the Artillery Centre of Hyderabad.

General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff and Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Pune-headquartered Southern Command, condoled the death of the two young Agniveers.

General Dwivedi said that the Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families in this hour of grief.

A court of inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the accident during field firing.

"GeneralUpendraDwivedi #COAS and All Ranks of #IndianArmy salute the supreme #Sacrifice of #Bravehearts Agniveer (Gunner) Gohil Vishvarajsinh & Agniveer (Gunner) Saikat, who laid down their lives in the line of duty while undergoing training at #Devlali Field Firing Ranges, Maharashtra,” the Additional Directorate General of Public Information of Indian Army posted of X.

“Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Army Commander, along with all ranks of #SouthernCommand, express deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Agniveers, Gunner Gohil Vishvarajsinh and Gunner Saikat from the Artillery Centre, #Hyderabad, during a field firing exercise at the #Devlali Field Firing Ranges. We extend our heartfelt #condolences to their grieving families in this moment of profound loss. A court of inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the accident during field firing,” the Southern Command posted on X.