Explosion reported in Russia’s Vladimir region, residents near military site evacuated

An explosion occurred in Russia’s Vladimir region, in the Kirzhachsky District, according to Governor Alexander Avdeyev. He did not share further details, saying only that “emergency services are working at the scene.”

The Telegram channel Mash reported that the explosion took place in the village of Barsovo. Citing local residents, Baza said there were several blasts and that they occurred near a military unit. According to open-source information, Barsovo is home to military unit 11785.

The Telegram channel 112 reported a “powerful attack” on the 51st arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate. Residents of Mirny and Barsovo were reportedly instructed to evacuate to the nearby city of Kirzhach. The channel Ostorozhno, Novosti reported that the road to Kirzhach from Moscow had been closed. Local emergency dispatchers confirmed the evacuation order for Barsovo. According to Baza, evacuations were also announced in five nearby settlements within a five-kilometer (three-mile) radius of the blast site.

The village of Barsovo is located about eight kilometers (five miles) from the city of Kirzhach. Public sources identify it as home to military unit 11785, though other reports mention unit 55443-44. Local media describe the facility as the 51st arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate, reportedly used primarily for storing and assembling munitions.