A massive explosion hit Shirvan arms factory in Azerbaijan, many people are feared trapped inside, Sputnik reports.

Fire erupted after the explosion.

Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion, followed by fire and intermittent blasts at the factory’s warehouse facilities, said to belong to the Ministry of Defense Industry of Azerbaijan.

Eyewitnesses say there are a lot of injured. Residents of nearby areas are being evacuated.

It was later revealed that twelve people were hospitalized after the explosion, their condition is assessed as grave.