A devastating explosion and fire at an industrial plant in Russia’s Ryazan region has claimed the lives of at least 24 people and injured over 150 others, officials confirmed on Monday. The Elastik plant, located around 155 miles southeast of Moscow, experienced a gunpowder workshop fire that triggered an explosion.
Investigations have begun into the cause of the blaze, with authorities acknowledging multiple warnings from labor safety regulators in the past. Images released by emergency crews show extensive damage to the facility, including one hall reduced to rubble.
The factory has faced previous warnings on industrial safety issues and a fatal blast occurred at the same plant in 2021, resulting in prison sentences for some management members. The Russian main investigative body has opened a criminal case into violating industrial safety rules, indicating that the cause of the fire was unlikely related to a Ukrainian attack.
Local authorities have declared Monday a day of mourning in Ryazan as emergency crews continue their search and rescue operation.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/explosion-fire-factory-russia-deaths-injuries-ryazan