Explosion at Russian industrial plant in Sergiev Posad leaves 60 injured and 8 missing
Smoke filled the air in the city of Sergiev Posad on Wednesday following an explosion at the Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant. According to Russian state news agency TASS, the blast resulted in at least 60 people being injured, with eight individuals currently unaccounted for.
The plant, known for developing and manufacturing optical and optoelectronic devices for various sectors including the military, law enforcement agencies, industry, and healthcare, suffered extensive damage in the incident.
Initial reports suggest that the detonation originated from a pyrotechnics warehouse rented by a third company on the plant’s premises. Rescue teams worked through the day to search for survivors and clear debris, with concerns that additional individuals may still be trapped underneath the rubble.
Andrei Vorobyov, governor of the Moscow region, stated that it would take approximately 12 hours to completely clear the site. He mentioned that three people had already been rescued, but their condition was described as serious by doctors.
“The explosion was powerful, and it was in the pyrotechnics workshop,” Vorobyov elucidated in an interview with Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti.
Nikolai, an eyewitness interviewed by a Russian media blog called MASH, shared that the site was previously a munition factory before being sold and repurposed as a pyrotechnics factory. “The company went bankrupt; it is not clear who worked there and what they did there. What caused the explosion is also unclear,” Nikolai said.
Authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the incident, while the cause of the blast is currently being examined. The Investigative Committee representative dispelled claims that a drone strike was responsible and emphasized the ongoing investigation into the explosion’s cause. This comes amidst Ukraine’s recent drone activity near Moscow.
The powerful explosion also shattered windows in neighboring homes, causing additional damage. Sergiev Posad, part of the Golden Ring, a collection of ancient towns with Russian orthodox churches near Moscow, is known for its historical significance. The city’s main cathedral and surrounding buildings are even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on rescuing any remaining individuals and determining the exact cause of the explosion at the Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant.