An explosion at a rocket and explosives manufacturing unit has killed 5 staff in Turkey, its defence ministry has mentioned.

The incident came about on the compound of the state-owned Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation manufacturing unit within the Elmadag district, east of the capital, Ankara.

The reason for the explosion was not instantly identified.

An investigation is underneath method, with a number of ambulances and firefighters despatched to the manufacturing unit.

The households of these working within the compound have additionally been gathering there to seek out out extra.

The blast was so forceful that it shattered home windows in outlets and homes close by, Turkey's NTV news channel reported.