Multiple explosions have rocked an ammunition depot in Azerbaijan, where a fire broke out on Sunday morning. Evacuation of injured people from the scene is being hampered by the danger of the explosive materials.
A group of first responders is currently at the scene to ensure safety and investigate the causes of the fire, a statement by the country’s defense ministry said.
The Azeri national emergencies service said it sent several fire brigade units in response to the incident.
The authorities would not specify the location of the depot, but local media placed it in the Siazan District of north-eastern Azerbaijan.
Health officials said they had been informed about casualties of the incident, but could not risk sending ambulances closer to the scene due to the threat posed by the continuing explosions.
“Ten ambulances are currently directed to the blast area, however they cannot arrive at the incident cite due to additional explosions,” said Miralam Jalalov, who oversees the nation’s ambulance service, as cited by APA news agency. “Additional ambulances will be involved if needed.”
A motorway linking the Azeri capital Baku with Russia was shut off in the wake of the incident. Footage published by the news website oxu.az shows a road with cars passing by a massive column of smoke rising in the distance.
