One Dead As Ammo Blasts Rock Russia's Samara

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WATCH: Ammunition Blasts Shake Russian Training Area

Ammunition explosions have rocked a military training area in Russia’s southwestern Samara region.

The incident prompted officials to order the evacuation of some 6,000 people from the nearby village of Nagorny.

Exploding shells set off a fire on June 19 at the Chapaevsk military depot.

An official with the Emergency Situations Ministry said that the fire has been put out and there is no longer a danger from exploding shells.

Officials said one man was found dead in the debris and that more than 40 people have sought medical help in connection with the blasts. About a dozen of them have been hospitalized.

It was not immediately clear what caused the ammunition to start exploding.

A criminal investigation has been opened to look into the possible violation of safety rules.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and ITAR-TASS