Russia Factory Blast: Death Toll Rises to 24 as Investigation Continues
Russia Factory Blast: Death Toll Rises to 24 as Investigation Continues
The death toll from last week’s devastating explosion and fire at an industrial plant in Russia’s Ryazan region has tragically climbed to 24, with at least 157 people injured. Officials confirmed the updated figures on Monday, as emergency crews continued to scour the debris for potential victims.
The incident occurred last Friday at the Elastik plant in the Shilovsky district, located approximately 155 miles southeast of Moscow. Initial reports from state news agency RIA Novosti indicated that a gunpowder workshop at the facility caught fire, triggering a powerful explosion that reduced parts of the building to rubble.
Investigators have launched a criminal case into potential violations of industrial safety rules, suggesting the blast was likely an accident rather than a deliberate attack. This comes amidst ongoing search and rescue operations and a declared day of mourning in Ryazan on Monday.
The Elastik plant has a history of safety concerns, having received multiple warnings from authorities regarding labor safety. Notably, the same facility experienced a deadly blast in 2021, which killed 17 people and led to prison sentences for some of its management, underscoring persistent issues with industrial safety standards in the region.
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