Updated with new injury count, death toll, missing persons.
A powerful explosion rocked the Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant in Sergiyev Posad, a town located 70 kilometers northeast of Moscow, causing a “total evacuation” of nearby buildings. The blast, which occurred on Wednesday, sent plumes of smoke billowing into the air, as captured in multiple videos shared on social media.
According to Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov, at least 30 people have been hospitalized with injuries, six of whom are in intensive care. An additional 26 individuals sought medical care but did not require hospitalization. State media reported that a total of 56 people sought medical attention by Wednesday evening.
Tragically, one person has died as a result of their injuries, as reported by the state-run TASS news agency. Furthermore, twelve individuals remain unaccounted for, even 24 hours after the explosion, according to the Moscow region branch of Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry.
In response to the incident, Sergiyev Posad’s administration has ordered a “total evacuation” of all buildings and workshops within the plant. The administration noted that many buildings had their windows blown out due to the explosion.
While some reports initially suggested a possible drone strike, emergency services cited by RIA Novosti believe that the blast was caused by “workflow violations.” Russia’s Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case on the “violation of industrial safety requirements for hazardous production facilities.”
The Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant, also known as “ZOMZ,” is responsible for producing night vision devices and binoculars for the Russian military as part of Russia’s defense conglomerate Rostec. The Moscow region’s prosecutor’s office has confirmed that the explosion originated from an explosives warehouse located next to the plant.
State media has identified the warehouse as belonging to the fireworks supplier “Piro Ross,” which has received multiple warnings regarding safety violations in recent years. The company has been undergoing bankruptcy procedures since April. However, Piro Ross director Sergei Chankayev has denied the official version of events, claiming that the detonation occurred in a neighboring metal pipe storage house.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to account for the missing individuals and provide support to those injured in the explosion.
What measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future and determine the cause of the blast
Id not require hospitalization.
Tragically, the explosion has claimed the lives of four people and left one person missing. The search and rescue operation by emergency services is currently underway to locate the missing individual.
The explosion occurred in a workshop where compressed gas cylinders were being tested, leading to speculation that a gas cylinder malfunction may have caused the blast. The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Authorities swiftly responded to the incident, implementing a “total evacuation” of nearby buildings as a precautionary measure. A video shared on social media shows a thick plume of dark smoke rising from the site.
The injured have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, with six individuals in critical condition receiving intensive care. Medical professionals are working tirelessly to ensure the best possible care for those affected.
The explosion has caused extensive damage to the Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant, resulting in the suspension of its operations. The plant, which specializes in manufacturing optical and mechanical devices, is a significant contributor to the region’s economy.
Local authorities have urged residents to stay away from the blast site and cooperate with emergency services during the ongoing search and rescue operation. They have also set up a helpline for individuals to report any information regarding the missing person.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by the explosion. Authorities are determined to provide support to the injured, locate the missing person, and determine the cause of the blast to prevent similar incidents in the future.
