Weapons depot explodes in Ukraine, entire city evacuated.

Thousands of residents are being evacuated from the city of Balakleya, Ukraine, after a fire broke out at what is believed to be the country's largest ammunition depot.

Images of the fire and explosion were shared online. Photo: RT/YouTube

Reports indicate multiple explosions and numerous windows shattered. A 7km radius security zone has been established around the burning weapons depot.

Images shared on social media show people rushing to evacuate after city authorities ordered an emergency evacuation across almost the entire city.

Sputnik, citing a civilian defense source, reported that most residents had been evacuated from the city by bus, but traffic jams occurred in many areas.

Prosecutors said they are investigating, but initial information suggests the fire and explosion appeared to be the result of sabotage.

A video clip posted by a local resident shows huge flames rising from the fire, followed by a rocket-like object flying out and falling to the ground with an explosion.

The city's civil defense agency told RIA Novosti that most of the city's residents have now evacuated, and authorities will go door-to-door to check if anyone is still inside.

According to RT, a total of nearly 20,000 people have been evacuated. The station also quoted official Anatoly Matios as saying that the weapons depot in Balakleya stores nearly 140,000 tons of ammunition.

"The total area of ​​the weapons depot is 368 hectares, containing 138,000 tons of ammunition. A drone is preparing to take off to assess the extent of the explosion's impact on the depot," Anatoly Matio wrote on Facebook.

He also said that security along the southeastern border had been tightened following the explosion.

According to Tuoi Tre newspaper