At least nine people were killed and 29 others were injured in a powerful explosion inside the Nowgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The explosives had been seized as part of the probe into the Red Fort blast and the terror module linked to it. The Jammu and Kashmir Police said the blast was accidental, triggered during a forensic sampling procedure.The Indian Express spoke to two explosives experts to understand how seized explosives should be handled and what protocol the raiding team is required to follow.First of all, during any raid or seizure, if the recovered material appears to be an explosive or an IED (Improvised Explosive Device), the enforcement agency must immediately have it examined by the Bomb Detection Team (BDT) and the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) available in the district concerned. They can also inform the Controller of Explosives at the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for the destruction process.The first instruction is to keep the material away from people and store it in an isolated location, without electricity or any other source of ignition. It should also be guarded. The rules further state that if no such location is available, it may be kept in an open stadium. There are licensed explosive storages, also known as explosive magazines, in several districts and states where such material can be deposited. These explosive magazines have proper safety mechanisms.Storing such large quantities of explosives at police stations or in any residential installation should be avoided unless the location has been specifically designated for that purpose.Some explosives, or the chemicals used in them, can catch fire immediately if left exposed to open air. For example, sodium is not an explosive, but if it is kept in the open air, it will ignite. Similarly, phosphorus—which is used in some hand grenades—must be kept in water. Therefore, such materials need to be attended to immediately.Are trained explosive-handling personnel deployed to assess, neutralise, and handle the material?Story continues below this adYes, this should be done immediately. The police can seek assistance from the BDS and BDT teams of the district concerned.How is the chain of custody established for every explosive item recovered?The officer in charge of that particular raid should immediately move the material to a properly isolated area. An FIR should be registered without delay, and the matter should be referred to the Judicial Magistrate of the area, who will grant permission for its immediate destruction.While these procedures are underway, the explosives must be stored in licensed explosive magazines or in an open, secure location with proper guarding and monitoring.Are there special vehicles to transport explosives?Story continues below this adAn explosive van may not be available to every district police force, even though it is a very important component in handling explosives. These vans are specially constructed trucks or containers, typically covered with aluminum sheets, with the interior lined with wood. Their design ensures that any electric charge generated is safely conducted to the ground. In the event of an explosion during transportation, the structure of the van helps contain the blast to minimize damage.Explosive vans are often used for transporting explosive materials in the commercial industry, and the military also employs them. In places like Jammu and Kashmir, these vans should be readily available, and necessary facilities must be ensured for their deployment.