Death Toll in Russia’s Ryazan Plant Blast Climbs to 14, Nearly 150 Injured

The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has confirmed that the number of victims from the Elastik plant explosion in Ryazan Region increased to 14 dead and 149 injured.

Psychologists are currently providing support to survivors and relatives of the victims, The Caspian Post reports via Russian media.

The ministry’s personnel, along with other agencies, are assisting with victim identification and operating a hotline to answer inquiries.

The incident occurred in the plant’s gunpowder workshop in the Shilovsky district, where a powerful blast destroyed the facility and ignited a large fire. Initially, authorities reported five deaths, but as search and rescue operations continued, the casualty figures rose sharply.

In response, August 18 has been declared a day of mourning in the Ryazan Region. Governor Pavel Malkov announced that the families of those killed will receive compensation.

The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case under Article 217, Part 3 of the Russian Criminal Code, citing violations of industrial safety regulations at hazardous facilities that resulted in multiple deaths by negligence. Investigators are now working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.