At least 17 people trapped inside an ammunition depot in India when a fire swept through it triggering an explosion are feared to have died.

As firefighters battled the blaze at one of the country's biggest arms depot, a further 19 are reported to have been injured.

Among the dead were two army officers who went to the site when the fire broke out after midnight, to gather people and help douse the flames, Brigadier Sandeep Bhalla said.

Defence Ministry spokesman Nitin Wakanker would only confirm that a fire had broken out at the ammunitions depot. He said details would be released after they emerged from the site.

Those believed to have been killed in the blaze are reportedly army personnel.

Around 1,000 villagers have been evacuated from the surrounding area.

The fire is now reported to be under control.

It is not yet known what caused the blaze and the army has ordered an inquiry.

The ammunition depot, one of India's largest, is in Maharastra state's Wardha district, around 370 miles east of Mumbai.