By An explosion has shattered a factory reportedly storing fireworks in the Moscow region, leaving over 40 people injured and prompting concerns about whether the incident was accidental or a deliberate attack.
As of now, there have been no confirmed fatalities. Andrei Vorobyov, the governor of the Moscow region, indicated that workers might be trapped beneath the debris, necessitating around 24 hours for rescue operations. The explosion originated within a factory workshop, rented by a private company.
Factory authorities noted that the blast’s impact extended to other structures on the premises. Videos captured from nearby showed local residents being knocked off balance by the shockwave, which shattered windows and sent debris scattering over considerable distances.
This incident closely followed Russia’s defence ministry reported the downing of two drones near Moscow, with one near the airport. Russia has accused Ukraine of responsibility for the drone attacks, though Ukraine has denied any involvement in either the drone incidents or the factory explosion.
At least 52 individuals sustained injuries during the blast at the fireworks factory located in an industrial park outside Moscow. The Moscow Regional Health Ministry disclosed that a substantial response effort was underway, involving numerous ambulance crews, emergency medical teams, and a medevac helicopter.
Currently, six individuals are in intensive care, 17 have been admitted to hospitals, and 22 are receiving treatment at an outpatient trauma clinic. Additionally, preparations for accommodating 40 more patients have been made at a local hospital.
Several victims suffered severe burns, and the explosion’s force wreaked havoc on surrounding areas, damaging houses, apartment towers, schools, and a sports complex on two nearby streets. The plant’s workforce is in the process of being evacuated for safety.
Investigations are already underway, with authorities reportedly filing criminal charges related to breaches of industrial safety regulations.
