20 killed in massive fire at India's largest ammunition depot

Two army officers and 18 jawans are feared dead in the massive blaze

Two army officers and 18 jawans are feared dead in a massive fire at the Indian Army's central ammunition depot in Pulgaon in eastern Maharashtra that houses the biggest stockpile of weapons in the country.

Another 19, including the commanding officer and the deputy commandant, have been injured.

The fire has been raging since 2 a.m Tuesday, reports said. The cause of the fire, however, is yet to be ascertained. 

The fire at the ammo dump spread after secondary explosions. Villages in the vicinity have been evacuated.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is reported to be on his way to the site. 

According to TV reports, mild explosions are still being heard from the area. 

"The main fire at one of the sheds has been extinguished. The situation is being stabilised. Secondary fire and explosions cannot be ruled out now," the Army officer said refusing to go into the reasons of the fire.

Army has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

"The cause of the fire is not yet known. The army has ordered an enquiry to investigate the incident," said Director General, Military Operations, Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh.

"As per last reports all the injured are stable," he added.

All the injured have been admitted to a super speciality hospital at Wardha and a team of especialised doctors has also rushed there, said the DGMO.

The central ammunition depot at Pulgaon is India's biggest ammunition depot and the second largest in Asia. Stocks from various factories come to this depot first and is then distributed to various forward areas. Pulgaon is 110 kms from Nagpur.

(Details awaited)