Massive blast at optics plant in Moscow suburb

Casualties were reported after a huge explosion that rocked the Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant in Sergiev Posad, Moscow region.

This is reported by Ukrinform with reference to the Mash Telegram channel.

"Eyewitnesses report a powerful explosion at the Zagorsky Optical and Mechanical Plant in Sergiev Posad. Subscribers are sending videos of a huge plume of smoke rising into the sky. The windows were shattered in houses nearby. It is still unclear what caused it," the report says.

The Russian news Telegram channel 112 reported that a drone could have hit the building, according to tentative reports. Emergency services have arrived on the scene of the explosion, so far rejecting the UAV attack version.

Telegram channel Baza reports that the number of those injured has increased to 16. According to preliminary data, the blast occurred at a pyrotechnics warehouse.

According to the Telegram channel Shot, employees are being evacuated from the Zagorsky Optical and Mechanical Plant.

Since 1935, the Zagorsky plant has been engaged in the production of observation equipment, medical equipment, lab instruments, and more recently – dosimeters and technical safety equipment.

As reported, after the Kremlin unleashed a full-scale war against Ukraine, explosions and fires have been regularly reported across the Russian Federation.