(CNN)A series of massive explosions erupted in the area of a Russian military air base in the annexed Ukrainian Crimean territory on Tuesday. Footage of the scene showing a large column of smoke billowing in the air.
Russian state media RIA Novosti reported that the Russian Defense Ministry said the explosion was caused by a detonation of aviation ammunition.
According to RIA Novosti, "Several air ammunition exploded in the area of airfield 'Saki' near the Novofedryvka settlement at around 3:20 pm," the ministry said in a statement.
Paramedics and ambulances were dispatched to the blast site, according to the local health ministry.
Oleg Kryuchkov, chief of staff for the region of Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, confirmed several explosions near the village of Novofedryvka.
Kryuchkov said on his Telegram channel:
Separately, the so-called head of the Republic of Crimea, Sergei Aksenov, said: "I went to the scene in the village of Novofedryvka in the Saki district. The situation is being clarified."
There was no communication from the Ukrainian side about possible attacks in the area. Ukraine is not known to have attacked Crimean territory since the Russian aggression began.
