NEW DELHI — Nine people were killed and 27 others injured in an accidental explosion at the Nowgam police station in Srinagar, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday.

The late-night blast on Friday occurred while authorities were handling a large cache of confiscated explosives.

According to the Press Trust of India, the explosion was triggered by the unstable nature of the chemicals during the process of extracting samples.

Among the victims were three members of the Forensic Science Laboratory, two officials from the Revenue Department, two police photographers, an officer from the State Investigation Agency, and a tailor.

The 27 injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have opened an investigation into the incident. — Agencies