The number of people killed in Friday’s explosion at the Elastik gunpowder plant in Russia’s Ryazan region has risen to 20, according to the regional crisis center. At least 135 others were injured in the blast.
Search and rescue operations are still underway.
The explosion and fire at the plant’s gunpowder workshop occurred on August 15, completely destroying the building. Preliminary findings suggest the blast was caused by a violation of safety regulations.
Russia’s Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case on charges of violating industrial safety requirements at hazardous production facilities, resulting in the death of two or more people through negligence.