Huge ammunition depot fire leaves at least 17 dead in India

A blaze at a large military ammunition depot in India has killed at least 17 people and left more than a dozen injured, authorities have said. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes as emergency teams battle the fire in Wardha, central India. The Press Trust of India news agency said two officers were among 17 soldiers killed at the depot, which is one of the country’s largest. The fire reportedly followed an explosion in the early hours.

Seventeen people have died. Nineteen are injured but are out of danger. An operation is in progress and the fire has been brought under control.

Smita Patil, superintendent of Wardha district police

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter he was “pained by (the) loss of lives”, adding his “thoughts are with the bereaved families”. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the accident had caused a “great loss of lives and property”.

ammunition depot