Huge explosions get reported in Russia’s Vladimir Zone

(MENAFN) A series of powerful explosions occurred on Tuesday near Kirzhach in Russia’s Vladimir Region, approximately 75 kilometers northeast of Moscow. The blasts reportedly originated from a munitions depot, prompting local officials to declare a state of emergency and shut down access roads to the area.

The explosions began around 3:30 PM, with nearby residents reporting loud detonations and posting videos showing a massive smoke plume visible from kilometers away.

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that a fire broke out at a military facility, leading to the detonation of stored ammunition. This incident follows a similar deadly accident in 2022 at a nearby facility in Barsovo, which claimed the lives of several soldiers.

Vladimir Region Governor Alexander Avdeev acknowledged the explosions on his Telegram channel, assuring that emergency services were actively working at the site.

Authorities have begun evacuating residents from the villages of Barsovo and Mirny, located close to the blast site. A local school has been converted into a temporary shelter and is currently housing around 100 evacuees, including children and elderly people, according to TASS.

The Russian military has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident, forming a special commission led by Deputy Defense Minister Andrey Bulyga to determine accountability.

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