
More than 50 people were injured on Wednesday (August 9) in a Russian factory explosion near Moscow, the region's governor said.
The blast was reported at an optics and optical electronics factory. In a report by TASS, the emergency services said the blast appeared to have occurred in a warehouse containing pyrotechnic equipment. It had been reportedly rented by a pyrotechnics firm.
Officials in the city of Sergiyev Posad said that the blast occurred at a plant that produced optical equipment. The city is some 35 miles northeast of the capital.
Moscow region governor Andrey Vorobyov said on state television: "Now, 52 people have sought medical help. Some have slight contusions from the blast wave, some just have burns."
BBC meanwhile reportedMoscow's governor Vorobyov as saying on Telegram that six people were in intensive care.
Videos shared online showed a large plume of smoke billowing from the facility in the city of Sergiyev Posad.
The blast occurred on the grounds of a factory that Russian media has previously said manufactures military equipment like night vision goggles.
Videos and photos shared on social media showed massive plumes of smoke. A bright ball of flames burst on the horizon was also seen, which was followed by a shockwave that blew out windows from some buildings.
Vorobyov said he could not comment on the cause of the explosion but that it was being investigated.
Watch this report:
There were rumours on social media forums that the fire was caused by a Ukrainian drone.
But citing emergency services, TASS reported that the officials did not believe the blast had been caused by any Ukrainian drone attack — many of which have taken place in Moscow and the surrounding area in recent weeks and months.
(With inputs from agencies)
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.