A Russian airbase in Crimea was rocked by a colossal explosion as horrified tourists looked on.
The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been confirmed, however Russian sources have claimed that it was cause when a plane carrying munitions detonated after overshooting the runway and crashing into a cliff.
Video from the scene showed noxious smoke pouring from the site of the crash at Belbek airport in Sevastopol in occupied Crimea.
Despite speculation, there have been no immediate reports of Ukrainian missile strikes on the plane or airport.
The incident comes after Russian troops were forced to pull out of a strategically important city in Ukraine in a heavy blow to Putin's plans.
It was unclear if there were any casualties, but Russian sources have reported that the pilot managed to escape the aircraft.
The crash was witnessed by people on nearby beaches, who saw the catastrophic explosion engulf the site.
While the exact cause is not known, the airport is used as a base for a variety of military aircraft.
Crimean governor Mikhail Razvozhaev called the explosion an “extraordinary situation”.
He said: “According to information from rescuers, during landing the plane skidded off the runway and caught fire.
“The fire brigade is currently on the scene. Please remain calm.”
Smoke from the inferno was visible from different areas of the city, the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
Crimea, which was annexed in 2014, has previously been targeted by Ukrainian special forces, according to reports.
The governor added: "The aircraft went beyond the runway during landing, and there was a partial explosion of ammunition.
"The pilot managed to evacuate. The fire was quickly extinguished and the airfield was not damaged."
There has also been some speculation that the airbase was hit by Ukrainian strikes.
Ukraine has previously shown itself to be more than capable of carrying out successful cruise missile strikes, including the use of a cruise missile to sink the Russian destroyer Moskva in the Black Sea.
