Explosion at Russian factory kills 24 and injures over 150
- Emergency services reported at least 24 fatalities and over 157 injuries from the explosion at the Elastik plant.
- The explosion was triggered by a fire in a gunpowder workshop, with investigations ongoing regarding potential safety violations.
- Local authorities have declared a day of mourning as the tragic incident raises urgent questions about industrial safety in Russia.
In Russia's Ryazan region, a catastrophic explosion occurred at the Elastik plant on August 18, 2025, resulting in a rising death toll and numerous injuries. Emergency services reported that 24 people were confirmed dead, with at least 157 others injured. The explosion was triggered by a fire that broke out in a gunpowder workshop and subsequently led to significant structural damage at the facility. Rescue operations were ongoing as emergency crews searched through debris, highlighting the severity of the incident. Local authorities reported that multiple warnings regarding safety violations had previously been issued to the factory. Investigators have initiated a criminal case related to industrial safety rule violations. It was indicated that the cause of the fire could potentially be connected to a rogue shell detonation, further raising concerns about safety protocols in the industrial sector. This incident marks another tragic reminder of the frequent safety lapses present in factories across Russia. The governor of the Ryazan region, Pavel Malkov, stated that the incident, which occurred approximately 155 miles southeast of Moscow, had resulted in significant loss of life and numerous injuries. Reports indicate that among the injured, some were receiving treatment in hospitals in Ryazan and Moscow, underscoring the widespread impact of the blast. Psychological support services were also mobilized to assist local residents affected by the incident. In light of past incidents, where the same plant was involved in a fatal explosion in 2021 that killed 17 people, this event raises ongoing concerns about the urgency of enforcing safety measures in industrial settings. As authorities conduct thorough investigations, local officials have declared a day of mourning in Ryazan, paying tribute to the victims of this tragic event. The situation calls for a re-examination of industrial regulations and should provoke discussion on improving safety standards in Russian factories.