Explosion at Russian factory kills 11, injures 130

(Web Desk): An explosion at a factory in Russia's Ryazan region has left 11 people dead and 130 injured, according to news agency reports.

The injured and deceased were transported to local hospitals following the incident.

Authorities say the explosion occurred after a fire broke out inside a workshop at the factory, though the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

While the blast reportedly occurred at a gunpowder manufacturing facility, officials have not officially confirmed this detail.

Russian emergency officials stated that clean-up operations at the site are ongoing, with efforts continuing around the clock for the past 24 hours.

In a statement posted on social media, the Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed the fatalities, saying: “Unfortunately, 11 people have died.”

Following the explosion, local authorities in Ryazan declared a day of mourning. Governor Pavel Malkov announced via Telegram that flags across the region would be flown at half-mast.

Industrial accidents, particularly fatal explosions in factories, are not uncommon in Russia. Notably, the same factory was the site of a deadly explosion in 2021, in which 17 people were killed.