MOSCOW — A powerful explosion at a gunpowder factory in Russia’s Ryazan region has resulted in a significant loss of life, with at least 11 people confirmed dead and 130 injured. The blast occurred on Friday, August 15, at the Elastik gunpowder and ammunition factory, located approximately 250 kilometers southeast of Moscow.
Russian state officials, quoted in an AFP report, confirmed the incident, stating that emergency crews were working around the clock to clear the debris and assist with rescue efforts. The Emergency Situations Ministry released photographs of the severe damage to the building, confirming the fatalities and injuries.
While no official cause for the explosion has been given, independent media reports and anonymous emergency sources cited by state-run news agency RIA Novosti suggest that a fire in a gunpowder workshop at the plant triggered the explosions. Preliminary information points to possible safety violations as the cause.
The Elastik factory, which is part of the state defense conglomerate Rostec, has a history of tragic accidents. A similar blast in October 2021 at the same facility killed 17 people. The recurring incidents highlight ongoing concerns about industrial safety in Russia, where fatal accidents in factories are not uncommon.
The Ryazan region has announced a day of mourning for the victims of the tragedy. Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov stated on Telegram that flags would be lowered throughout the region and that cultural and entertainment events would be canceled.
The explosion comes at a time of increased pressure on Russia’s military and industrial sectors due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. While the official cause has not been linked to an external attack, Ukrainian drones have previously targeted military and economic infrastructure in the Ryazan region.