A devastating explosion at a petrol station in southern Russia’s Dagestan region has left a staggering toll of 35 people dead and numerous others injured. The blast erupted in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, engulfing the night sky in flames at 21:40 local time (18:40 GMT) on Monday. The fire’s origin is suspected to be a car repair center near the petrol station. Rescue efforts continue amidst the rubble as emergency workers race against time to search for survivors. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences in the wake of this heart-wrenching tragedy.
The explosion’s impact was immense, leading to a state of emergency being declared in the Kumtorkalinsky district of Dagestan. Over 260 emergency personnel have been dispatched to the scene, and critically injured victims have been airlifted to Moscow for urgent medical attention. As the situation unfolds, the full extent of the damage is becoming clearer, with rescue teams discovering more casualties amid the chaos.
The fire’s ferocity was intensified by its spread across an area of 600 square meters, raising concerns of further explosions. Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos and destruction as the explosion rocked the area. Amid the unfolding tragedy, Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched a criminal investigation to determine the circumstances leading up to the disaster.
Makhachkala, located approximately 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from Moscow, now faces the somber aftermath of a catastrophe that has shattered lives and left the region in mourning.
