A shocking video shows the moment when a giant explosion ripped through the Russian chemical plant and completely blew it apart. The footage showed the blaze in Nizhny Novgorod which killed one person as authorities scrambled to control the fire.
A huge plume of black smoke rose from the plant, which is reportedly believed to have links to Vladimir Putin’s military machine.
According to reports, a tanker lorry containing highly explosive toluene caught fire at the plant.
The explosion comes amid sabotage attacks in Russia linked to the war in Ukraine, but it is unclear if this was an accident or a deliberate attack.
The inferno reportedly is spread over 9,000 square feet.
The authorities have launched an urgent investigation to identify the cause of the explosion.
A total of 56 firefighters were deployed to bring the blaze under control.
Russian Investigative Committee has launched a criminal case after the incident.
The head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Major-General Kyrylo Budanov, has admitted that sabotage attacks on key infrastructure are underway.
Referring to a spate of explosions in Russia which have hit strategic installations, he said: “Much of this is no accident.
“Something is constantly on fire [in Russia].
Toluene is used in TNT. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet, pungent odor.
Exposure to toluene can cause eye and nose irritation, tiredness, confusion, euphoria, dizziness, headache, dilated pupils, tears, anxiety, muscle fatigue, insomnia, nerve damage, inflammation of the skin, and liver and kidney damage.
