Moscow Gunpowder Plant Explosion: Death Toll Rises to 20, Over 100 Injured in Ryazan Blast
The death toll from the Moscow gunpowder plant explosion at the Elastik factory in Ryazan has climbed to 20, with 134 injured. Authorities probe industrial safety violations after repeated warnings.
Moscow Gunpowder Plant Explosion Claims More Lives
The Moscow gunpowder plant explosion at the Elastik ammunition factory in Ryazan has claimed 20 lives, with 134 people injured following the devastating blast. Officials confirmed the updated figures on Monday, marking one of the deadliest industrial accidents in recent years.
Initially, authorities reported 11 fatalities after Friday’s explosion, but the number rose as more victims succumbed to their injuries. Of the wounded, 31 remain hospitalised while others received treatment for burns, fractures, and blast-related injuries.
Authorities Investigate Possible Safety Violations
Investigators are probing whether industrial safety violations caused the disaster. Russia’s Investigative Committee confirmed the launch of a criminal case focused on breaches of workplace safety standards.
The 112 Telegram channel, known for its close law enforcement sources, reported that the blast may have been triggered by the detonation of a rogue shell. Authorities have not ruled out negligence, noting the factory had received multiple labour safety warnings prior to the incident.
Elastik Factory’s Troubled Safety Record
This tragedy is not the first for the Elastik gunpowder plant. In 2021, a similar explosion at the same facility killed 17 workers. Some members of the management team were sentenced to prison for failing to enforce safety rules.
Industrial experts argue that chronic safety lapses in Russian factories often stem from poor management and lack of investment in safety equipment.
Day of Mourning Declared in Ryazan Region
The Ryazan regional administration declared Monday a day of mourning in honour of the victims. Flags were lowered, and residents gathered in solidarity to support grieving families.
Images shared by Russia’s Emergency Ministry showed parts of the factory reduced to rubble. Search and rescue teams continued combing through debris for survivors or additional victims.
No Link to Ukraine Attack
Although Russia has blamed Ukraine for several sabotage attacks since the 2022 invasion, investigators clarified that the Moscow gunpowder factory blast was not linked to Ukrainian strikes.
Instead, officials strongly indicated internal safety violations were responsible for the deadly explosion, further underlining Russia’s long-standing industrial risks.
Recurring Pattern of Industrial Accidents in Russia
Fatal accidents at Russian factories are not uncommon. Analysts attribute this recurring pattern to lax enforcement of regulations, outdated facilities, and systemic corruption in the industrial sector.
The latest incident has renewed calls for stronger oversight and stricter enforcement of workplace safety laws, especially in plants producing ammunition and hazardous materials.
Conclusion
The Moscow gunpowder plant explosion in Ryazan highlights the deadly consequences of repeated safety violations. With 20 dead and more than 100 injured, the tragedy underscores Russia’s ongoing struggle with industrial safety. As investigations continue, families of victims demand accountability, hoping this disaster prompts long-overdue reforms in factory safety standards.
