At least 33 people have been killed following an explosion and fire at a petrol station in southern Russia. The victims include three children. The fire has injured some 100 people.
The fire started at an auto repair shop on a highway in the Russian republic of Dagestani, which lies near the Caspian Sea. The flames on Monday night then spread to a nearby petrol station. Images online show emergency services and firefighters battle the colossal blaze. Media outlets report that the fire grew to new heights during the night.
“During the rescue operation in Makhachkala (capital city of Dagestani), the bodies of three more victims were found,” the ministry reportedly said on Telegram. “According to the updated information, as a result of the fire at the petrol station 105 were injured, and of them, 30 died,” reports Reuters.
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The BBC reports that about 260 emergency workers responded to the incident, and helped evacuate buildings in the area.
Media outlets report that the next-of-kin of the victims will receive 1 million roubles. Those who sustained injuries will receive between 200,000 to 400,000 roubles.
Blasts elsewhere in Eastern Europe…
Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine’s western region, Lviv, and northwestern region, Volyn. The attack reportedly struck buildings, forced many to flee, and wounded civilians.
At least three people were killed in this attack.
Western Ukraine, which borders Nato-member Poland, has typically seen fewer attacks compared to the country’s eastern and southern parts.
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However, in July, some 10 people were killed, with many left injured, after a Russian rocket reportedly hit a residential building.
Elsewhere in Ukraine, people were killed on Monday after missiles reportedly hit a town in the Zaporizhzhia region. The last couple of days have been turbulent.
