Russia: Deadly fire erupts at gas station in Dagestan
August 15, 2023
At least 30 people, including two children, were killed in a fire and subsequent explosion in Makhachkala in Russia's southern republic of Dagestan, local officials said early on Tuesday.
Over 100 people were injured in the incident, according to the Russia Emergency Services Ministry.
Thirteen of the wounded are children, Interfax reported citing the Dagestani Health Ministry.
What do we know about the accident?
The fire broke out at an auto repair shop in Makhachkala on Monday night, causing an explosion that spread to a nearby gas station, officials said.
The fire spread over an area of around 600 square meters (6,450 square feet), the Emergency Ministry said, adding that 260 firefighters were deployed.
Videos posted on social media showed a building engulfed in flames.
It took firefighters more than three and a half hours to put out the fire.
The exact cause of the blast was not immediately known, though disregard for safety standards is suspected.
Condolences from president
A Kremlin statement said Russian President Vladimir Putin feels sympathy with familes of victims and those injured in the disaster.
"President Putin expresses his most sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the tragedy in Dagestan and wishes a speedy recovery to the victims," the statement said.
A day of mourning has been declared in Dagestan for Tuesday.
Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation, and financial compensation is being offered to victims's families and those injured in the disaster.
tj,dh/rs (AFP, Reuters)