Russia’s largest chemical plant erupted in flames on Thursday just hours after a fire engulfed a military research center outside of Moscow, killing seven people.
The first fire broke out at the Russian Defense Ministry’s Aerospace Defense Forces’s Central Research Institute in the northwestern city of Tver, about 100 miles outside of Moscow. Seven people were killed and 25 were injured in the blaze, according to Russian state media. The second fire occurred at the Dmitrievsky Chemical Plant in Kineshma, about 150 miles east of Moscow, and there were no reports of injuries. Russian state media reported that preliminary findings blame faulty electrical wiring for the military facility inferno. No cause has been given for the chemical plant fire.
“Dmitrievsky Chemical Plant burned down today on the outskirts of Moscow. This is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents. Located 250 miles EAST of Moscow. We are beginning to see a pattern develop,” tweeted Igor Sushko, a Ukrainian-born professional race car driver who shared footage of the blaze.
?BREAKING: Russia – Dmitrievsky Chemical Plant burned down today on the outskirts of Moscow. This is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents. Located 250 miles EAST of Moscow. We are beginning to see a pattern develop. pic.twitter.com/537LLI2JR7
— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) April 21, 2022
In March, the Russian Ministry of Defense blamed “Ukrainian nationalists” for a fire at the Avdeyevsky Coke and Chemical Plant outside Donetsk, calling it an “act of sabotage.” No Russian officials have made that claim regarding Thursday’s chemical plant fire.
UKRAINE STRIKES FUEL DEPOT INSIDE RUSSIAN TERRITORY: LOCAL OFFICIAL
The Tver military facility conducts research related to Russian air and space defense and is involved in the development of new anti-aircraft systems, according to Russian Defense Ministry. The Daily Mail claimed that Iskander missiles were built at the site prior to Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine.
BREAKING: Russian military research facility, apparently involved in development of at least some of the S-series surface-to-air missiles and Iskander ballistic missiles, is on fire with dead & many injured. pic.twitter.com/Hd5MLzP8KL
— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) April 21, 2022
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The Moscow Times, an independent Russian media outlet, noted that accidental fires are “common in Russia” and “aging and dilapidated infrastructure” leads to hundreds each year.
