A powerful explosion and fire have ripped through a petrol station in the heart of Dagestan, a region nestled in the southern expanse of Russia. At least 30 people have been killed in the disaster.
The incident unfolded in Makhachkala, the bustling regional capital perched along the Caspian Sea coastline, at 9.40pm local time (6.40pm BST).
As the smoke and chaos cleared, the extent of the catastrophe became apparent.
Scores of individuals emerged as survivors injured. Dozens are grappling with injuries sustained in the calamity that rocked the city, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
The cause of the event remains unknown, leaving authorities and experts racing against the clock to investigate.
More than 260 emergency responders mobilised with a single mission to quell the flames and tend to the wounded.
Among them, an aircraft took flight, bound for Moscow, carrying the gravely injured.
Tragically, three children were among the victims, as revealed by Russia’s Interfax news agency.
The fire’s reach spanned an area of 600 square metres (6,460 square feet), causing concerns about potential further explosions.
Witnesses recounted that the fire originated at a nearby car lot before escalating into a full-blown blaze. The explosion left those present disoriented and struggling to make sense of the chaos.
Initial findings from Russia’s Investigative Committee point to the fire’s start during routine car maintenance, followed by an unforeseen explosion. A criminal investigation has been launched to piece together the events leading up to the incident.
