 (1).png){kind=spacer}
5 hours ago
1
The death toll from Friday’s blast at an explosives factory in the Ryazan region has risen to 20, emergency officials said on Monday, with another 134 people injured in the accident.
The explosion occurred at the Elastik synthetic fiber plant in the village of Lesnoy, located around 250 kilometers (155 miles) southeast of Moscow.
State-run media reported that the explosion took place in a gunpowder workshop that was “completely destroyed.” Local outlets said the factory produces industrial explosives, anti-armor warheads and gas generators for submarines.
Investigators launched a criminal probe into possible industrial safety violations, but they have not announced any arrests. Authorities in the Ryazan region declared a day of mourning on Friday.
Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry said Monday that first responders had cleared about half of the blast site and were using K-9 units to search for survivors.
It was the second deadly explosion at the Elastik plant since October 2021, when 17 people were killed in a workshop operated by explosives producer Razryad.
The plant, once part of state defense conglomerate Rostec, ceased operations in 2018 but is listed in corporate filings as a private weapons and ammunition producer under the name “Zavod Elastik.”
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.
