Tragic Fire at Russian Factory Claims 11 Lives, 130 Injured
Ryazan Authorities Declare Day of Mourning
Local officials in the Ryazan region announced a day of mourning, to be observed on Monday, in response to the recent tragedies that have affected the community.
Primary Measures
- Regional leaders issue the formal proclamation.
- Government offices, schools, and cultural venues will observe a ten-minute silence.
- Communities are encouraged to wear black attire to express collective remembrance.
- The governor will hold a state memorial service for those who lost loved ones.
Fatal Fire at Russia’s Elastik Plant
On Friday, a devastating blaze at the Elastik facility in the Shilovsky District of Russia’s Ryazan region resulted in 11 fatalities and left 130 people injured, according to officials.
Incidence and Immediate Response
- Location: Approximately 250 km southeast of Moscow.
- Initial spark: A gunpowder workshop ignited, triggering a violent explosion.
- Emergency efforts: Firefighters continued debris clearance into the weekend; two additional bodies were recovered after midnight.
Injury and Medical Treatment
- Hospitalised on Saturday: 29 individuals (13 in Ryazan, 16 in Moscow hospitals).
- Additional medical dispatch: 130 injured total.
Rescue Operations
- Three victims were extracted from rubble overnight as investigators began a preliminary inquiry into the cause.
Local Official Statements
The Ryazan Governor, Pavel Malkov, announced a day of mourning on Monday, urging the region to lower flags and cancel all entertainment events across cultural venues, television, and radio stations.
Historical Context
- Elastik plant has experienced two fatal explosions in less than four years.
- In October 2021, a blast at a workshop owned by the explosives firm Razryad claimed 17 lives, as reported by Interfax.
Key Facts
- Number of deaths: 11
- Number of injuries: 130
- Location: Shilovsky District, Ryazan region
- Significant weeks: First blow in 2021, latest in 2024
