Indian soldiers die in ammunition depot fire

The fire in the a military ammunition depot in western Maharashtra state triggered a number of explosions, leading to the evacuation of people from neighbouring villages.

The fire broke out early on Tuesday and spread quickly through the depot but the cause of the fire is still unknown.

Seventeen Indian soldiers have been killed, army officials say.

The BBC reports that firefighters are still trying to put out the blaze, which has also injured at least 19 people.

Reports said about 1,000 villagers had been evacuated as shells and splinters ripped through the area.