A devastating explosion rocked a fuel station in the remote Caucasus region of Dagestan, Russia, resulting in a massive fireball that claimed the lives of at least 35 individuals. This tragic incident prompted President Vladimir Putin to offer his condolences on Tuesday.
The shocking images shared by the emergencies ministry portrayed a scene of destruction, with burnt-out cars and a raging inferno dominating the landscape. Rescue teams, donning helmets, valiantly fought to control the flames and clear debris in their efforts to save lives.
Reports from government ministries revealed that the explosion had claimed the lives of 35 people and left 80 others injured. In response to the tragedy, the Kremlin released a statement on behalf of President Putin, expressing his heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of the victims and wishing a swift recovery for those who survived.
The explosion occurred in the city of Makhachkala at a fuel station after an initial fire outbreak. The regional branch of the Investigative Committee, responsible for probing significant incidents, communicated through social media that the fire had erupted during car maintenance work, leading to a subsequent explosion that caused injuries and fatalities. The incident also inflicted damage on nearby structures and vehicles.
An investigation into the circumstances leading up to the fire has been initiated, with a criminal case opened to shed light on the series of events.
State-run news agencies reported that the fire had been successfully extinguished, as confirmed by the ministry. Makhachkala, a city situated along the shores of the Caspian Sea, serves as the capital of Dagestan, a Russian republic bordering Chechnya.
The explosion, which occurred shortly before 10:00 pm local time, elicited a response from Sergei Melikov, the head of the Dagestan administration. He conveyed the occurrence through social media, explaining that the fire originated in an area where vehicles were parked before spreading to the fuel station.
A witness, quoted by the Russian daily newspaper Izvestia, recounted the harrowing experience, explaining that the fire initiated in the parking area and quickly enveloped the surroundings in chaos. The witness, unnamed in the report, mentioned that the explosion led to a disorienting scene, obstructing visibility and causing distress.
Russia’s emergency situations ministry showcased the valiant efforts of firefighters as they grappled with towering flames and explored the wreckage using flashlights. The fire had consumed an area spanning 600 square meters (approximately 6,450 square feet), prompting the deployment of 260 firefighters to combat the blaze.
Read more: Afghanistan hotel blast kills at least 3, injures 7
In response to the severity of the incident, a government Il-76 aircraft was dispatched to Makhachkala to transport critically injured individuals to Moscow for urgent medical treatment. As of now, the evacuation operation has been successfully concluded.
To commemorate the lives lost in this devastating event, the Dagestan government declared August 15 a day of mourning. The country’s flags will be flown at half-mast, and cultural institutions and TV programs are expected to suspend entertainment events and broadcasts as a mark of respect.
