Russia: Deadly fire at gunpowder factory — reports
October 22, 2021
A fire broke out at a gunpowder factory in Russia on Friday, leaving at least 16 people dead.
One employee was taken to hospital with serious injuries after the accident and died there, investigators said.
How did this happen?
Russia's emergencies ministry published footage of smoke and debris at the severely damaged factory building.
The fire is thought to have started in a powder workshop at the FGUP "Elastik" plant.
A source of the Interfax news agency said there had been various explanations put forward, but that the main one was a "violation of technological processes" when it came to the handling of flammable substances.
Some 170 emergency service personnel were attending the scene, officials said, with some 50 pieces of fire-fighting equipment deployed.
The ministry said there was no threat to the general population living nearby.
The plant is in the village of Lesnoye, around 300 kilometers (180 miles) from Moscow. The firm's website says it produces industrial explosives.
rc/aw (Interfax, RIA)