Crimean village evacuated after ammo detonations

Crimean village evacuated after ammo detonations
The ammunition detonated due to a fire at the site, according to the Defense Ministry
Residents of the village of Mayskoye in Crimea were ordered to evacuate on Tuesday following powerful explosions nearby. The blasts took place at a temporary ammunition depot operated by the Russian military, the Defense Ministry said.

The village is located in Dzhankoy Region in northeastern Crimea and has around 2,000 residents, according to its administration.

Images on social media purportedly taken at the moment of the incident show a massive ball of fire rising into the air.

According to the Defense Ministry, the ammunition detonated due to a fire at the site. It reported no serious injuries in the incident and said its causes were being investigated.

The head of the Republic of Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, said he was going to Mayskoye to investigate the situation on the ground.

The official said that according to preliminary reports, two civilians were injured in the village, adding that their lives are not in danger.

Residents are being taken at least 5km away from Mayskoye due to the risks posed by the continuing detonations at the military site, Aksyonov said.

The incident is the second in as many weeks for the Russian military in Crimea. Last Tuesday, powerful explosions rocked the western part of the peninsula, after ammo detonated at a military base near the town of Novofedorovka.