A powerful explosion rocked central Russia’s Vladimir region on Tuesday, local authorities said, while the military stated that the blast erupted at an ammunition depot due to human error.
“An explosion occurred in the Kirzhachsky district.
Responsible services are working on site,” Vladimir region Governor Alexander Avdeyev wrote on Telegram, without directly referencing any military facilities or detailing the damage.
Shortly after, Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that the blast had occurred at an ammunition depot, saying the suspected cause was “violation of safety regulations during the handling of explosive materials.”.
“By order of the Russian defense minister, a commission has been formed to investigate the incident,” the ministry said in a statement.
Kirzhach, located 75 kilometers (47 miles) northeast of Moscow, is home to the 51st arsenal of the Russian military’s main missile and artillery directorate.
Eyewitness videos shared on social media showed thick smoke and a loud blast, with some users claiming a strike had hit the arsenal. »