A powerful explosion at a factory in Russia’s Ryazan region has killed 11 people and left at least 130 others injured, the Emergencies Ministry confirmed on Saturday.
The blast occurred on Friday afternoon at the plant located about 320 kilometers (198 miles) southeast of Moscow. According to regional governor Pavel Malkov, the incident was triggered by a fire that broke out inside one of the workshops, though the exact cause of the blaze remains unclear.
Emergency crews worked overnight and into Saturday, combing through the rubble in search of survivors and additional casualties. Video footage shared on social media showed plumes of thick black smoke rising from the factory site as firefighters battled the flames.
Authorities have not disclosed what the facility produced. However, some Russian media outlets reported that the explosion was linked to gunpowder catching fire. The Ryazan region has previously been targeted by Ukrainian drone strikes against military and industrial infrastructure, but officials have not suggested any connection to Friday’s disaster.
The deadly blast is one of the worst industrial accidents in Russia this year, raising questions about safety standards in facilities handling hazardous materials. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire and subsequent explosion.
Written By Rodney Mbua
