AJ
An explosion has occurred at a military factory in the “Avangard” industrial zone in the city of Sterlitamak, Bashkiria, Bashkortostan, and eyewitnesses reported the smell of gunpowder in the city, and has reportedly resulted in eight people injured as of 20:00 Moscow time.
Preliminary reports suggested there were five people injured but official information hasn’t been confirmed and the services have said there could be more people under the rubble, while the cause of the explosion couldn’t be clarified.
Avangard produces weapons and ammunition, disposes of explosives, and also manufactures chemical products.
An update was issued soon after by the Ministry of Health of Bashkiria informing that a person was pulled under the rubble of a workshop at the factory, and head of the region Radiy Khabirov stated the factory itself had sustained serious damage.
Khabirov said: “The factory employees have been evacuated. Unfortunately there are injured people who are receiving all necessary medical assistance, while all emergency services and law enforcement representatives are working on site.”
Preliminary data indicates the cause of the explosion was a violation of safety regulations, and the epicentre was a technological unit that was engaged in the production of nitrocellulose – a substance used for making varnishes and plastics.
Reports suggest that the site is used for the production of explosives and ammunition along with packaging containers, disposal of old military equipment and ammunition, as well as production of components for multiple launch rocket systems.
UPD: At 21:00 Moscow time an update was reported stating eight people had been found injured so far, with three rescued and hospitalised in the Sterlitamak city hospital, adding that one was in a serious condition in intensive care, while the other two were in a moderate condition with no threat to life, and search and rescue was continuing at the scene.
