A series of powerful explosions erupted Thursday at two army ammunition depots near Sofia, shattering windows in hundreds of buildings, spewing smoke and debris into the sky and forcing Bulgaria's main airport to shut down.

Emergency Situations Minister Emel Etem said there were no immediate reports of injuries from the early morning blasts, which began at 6:30 a.m. at depots near Chelopechene, just outside Sofia, where obsolete ammunition had been stored. Smaller blasts continued for several hours.

The blasts — heard across the capital — blew out windows and damaged doors in most buildings at Chelopechene. Traffic was jammed as people fled the danger zone.

Authorities closed nearby Sofia International Airport after debris fell near runways and flights were redirected to Plovdiv, 100 miles (160 kilometers) to the east. The Transport Ministry hoped the airport could resume normal operations Thursday evening.

Some 1,700 of Chelopechene's 2,500 residents were evacuated as a precaution after the blasts. More than 9 hours later, authorities said they could return, but urged caution as unexploded ammunition was scattered all over the village.

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