At least 9 dead in Kazakhstan after several explosions at military base

Aug. 27 (UPI) -- At least nine people were killed and scores were injured on Friday after a series of explosions at a military base in Kazakhstan, officials said.

Authorities said at least six explosions went off at the base in Zhambyl province, which stores explosives for engineering purposes.

The causes of the blasts weren't immediately known, but Kazakhstan's emergency ministry told reporters that investigators haven't ruled out sabotage, according to Radio Free Europe.

Four troops were killed in the blasts and there were about 90 injured.

While hundreds of emergency personnel were mobilized to help in rescue efforts, authorities evacuated hundreds of people from neighboring villages.

Kazakh defense minister Nurlan Ermekbaev offered his resignation but said a final decision would be made by President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev.