A powerful explosion rocked a gunpowder factory in Russia’s Ryazan region on Friday, killing at least five people and injuring more than 20 others. Ten of the injured are in serious condition. The blast triggered a massive fire at the Elastik gunpowder plant, located roughly 100 miles southeast of Moscow.
Local reports suggest more victims may still be trapped under the rubble. Over 100 workers were evacuated following the explosion, and dramatic footage showed towering flames and thick black smoke visible from miles away.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion. However, Russian media pointed to potential safety violations at the plant, which also saw a deadly incident in 2021 that claimed 17 lives.
While the blast has not been directly linked to Ukraine, the incident comes as Ukrainian forces continue targeting strategic Russian infrastructure. Overnight, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Samara region and attacked a vessel carrying Iranian-supplied weapons in the Caspian Sea port of Olya.
These developments unfold just as U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump prepares to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Trump to push for a ceasefire deal during the summit.
On the battlefield, Russian forces appear to be advancing around Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region. Zelensky warned that Moscow is seeking gains ahead of the high-stakes summit to bolster Putin’s negotiating position.
