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 of the morning.
Smita Patil, superintendent of Wardha district police, told AFP from the scene: "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."
Ramesh Barde, a fire officer at the Nagpur fire department told the news agency firefighters using ten fire engines battled through the night to contain the blaze.
"The fire broke out at 1:30 am and nearby fire engines reached the venue by 2:30 am," he said.
"The fire was brought under control by 6:15 am. The situation is under control and a report is being prepared," he added.
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