A series of explosions struck a chemical plant in Krasnozavodsk, in Russia's Moscow region, on Thursday, killing at least seven people and forcing the evacuation of more than 40 workers.
The blasts occurred in workshop number four of the Krasnozavodsk Chemical Plant, which is part of state-owned Rostec and specializes in pyrotechnics, ammunition, explosives, and signaling devices produced under contract for Russia's Defense Ministry, Interior Ministry, and other government agencies. One building at the facility was partially destroyed, and a fire broke out following the explosions.
Eyewitness video footage showed a thick column of gray smoke rising into the sky above the plant. Local residents reported that the explosions were powerful enough to shake their homes, and some witnesses reported hearing at least three distinct blasts. According to reports from Telegram channels associated with Russian security services, approximately 44 workers were at the facility at the time; 40 were evacuated, while the whereabouts of four others remained unknown.
The plant is located near Sergiyev Posad, a city north of Moscow. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene to contain the open fire and search for missing workers. Rescue operations continued as firefighters worked to localize the blaze.
Preliminary reports suggested the incident was technical in nature. Some workers at the facility speculated that a shipment of hazardous material may have detonated, though no official confirmation was provided. Authorities in the Moscow region had not issued public statements as of Thursday evening.