Seven people were killed in an explosion at a chemical plant in Russia’s Moscow region, the Telegram news channel Shot reported, as emergency crews responded to a fire at the facility.
The blast hit the Krasnozavodsk Chemical Plant, which produces ammunition and pyrotechnics, according to publicly available information. Authorities had not commented on the incident, and the reported death toll remained unconfirmed.
Shot reported that the seven people were inside workshop No. 4, which collapsed completely. Survivors said more workers had been inside, the channel reported, adding that rescue operations were continuing.
The Telegram channel Mash, citing local residents, reported three powerful explosions that shook nearby homes before a fire broke out. More than 40 workers were at the plant at the time, and an evacuation was underway, it said.
The Telegram channel 112, which has close ties to Russian law enforcement agencies, also reported an explosion and said emergency services were heading to the site.
Footage filmed by witnesses showed flames and a column of smoke rising above the plant.
Preliminary reports pointed to a technical cause for the explosion. No aerial attacks had been reported in the area.
The plant was previously targeted in a Ukrainian attack on July 7, 2025. Ukraine’s military said at the time that the facility produced thermobaric warheads for Shahed-type drones, known in Russia as Geran drones.
Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, part of its National Security and Defense Council, said the plant also produced explosives, gunpowder and components for ammunition and missile systems. It described the facility as part of the supply chain for Russian artillery shells, multiple-launch rocket systems and ballistic missiles.
This article was translated with the help of artificial intelligence and was reviewed by a Moscow Times editor before publication. Learn more about our newsroom's AI policy here.
Read this article in Russian at The Moscow Times' Russian service.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
