Blast rocks Russian airbase in Crimea as horrified tourists watch explosion from nearby beach

AN EXPLOSION has rocked a Russian airbase in Crimea as horrified tourists watched from a nearby beach.

The huge blast comes just hours after Putin's humiliated troops were forced to pull out of a key occupied city in Ukraine.

The cause of the explosion, which sent sparks and plumes of smoke into the air, is currently unknown.

But according to the Russian-appointed head of occupied Sevastopol, munitions detonated on a military aircraft that overshot the runway at Belbek airport.

There were no immediate reports of missile strikes on the plane or airport by Ukraine.

It was unclear if there were casualties but it was reported that the pilot managed to escape. 

Shocking videos showed noxious smoke pouring from the scene.

First to report the latest horror for Vladimir Putin were vacationers on nearby beaches in the tourist peninsula annexed in 2014.

The type of plane was unclear but the airport is used as a base for multiple warplanes by Putin's forces.

Crimean governor Mikhail Razvozhaev called the explosion an “extraordinary situation”.

“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 plane was visible from different areas of the city which is the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. 

Crimea has been targeted previously by Ukrainian special forces hit squads, according to reports.

The governor said later:  "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."

Back in August the Saki airbase was also attacked sending a huge mushroom cloud into the sky.

There was speculation the facility had been hit by Ukrainian missiles in the nation's first strike.

Shocking footage shows the aftermath of the explosions that ravaged a Su-24M attack aircraft and a string of vehicles at the military base.

The motors were completely charred by the ensuing flames that followed the series of blasts at around 3.30pm local time.

Up to 15 explosions are said to have hit the Saki air base near Novofedorivka on the west coast of the peninsula.

Terrified Russian tourists were seen frantically hurrying from beaches amid the eruptions on Tuesday.