cyprus
Emergency personnel stand at the scene of a large explosion at a military base in southern Cyprus Reuters

An explosion at a Greek Cypriot naval base on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus has left at least 12 people dead Monday, and cut power to much of the island.

The blast severely damaged Cyprus' largest power station, destroying three quarters of the station, including the generators' two main fuel tanks.

The explosion was triggered when a nearby wildfire spread to the military base and lit confiscated Iranian munitions which included tons of gunpowder.

A shock wave from the explosion shattered almost every window in Zygi, a nearby fishing village and tourist destination.

A local wildfire that spread out of firefighters' control around 5 a.m. Monday. The blaze spread to the base, where it connected with the munitions, setting off the massive, fiery blast.

At least eleven people were killed in the event, including a number of firefighters, Greek Cypriot National Guard troops and fishermen. According to Health Minister Christos Patsalides, three people are undergoing emergency surgery and as many as 50 more experienced minor injuries.

Explosion