Makhachkala, Dagestan – In a devastating incident that shocked the city of Makhachkala in the Republic of Dagestan, at least 30 lives were tragically lost and over 100 individuals sustained injuries in an explosion at a filling station on Monday. Among the victims were three children, whose lives were cut short by the unexpected disaster.
The explosion, which rocked the area, occurred during a fire that broke out at the filling station. The fire initially ignited in an area where vehicles were parked and swiftly spread, engulfing the petrol station and nearby structures. Witness accounts described a chaotic scene as flames engulfed the vicinity, leading to a powerful explosion that sent shockwaves throughout the region.
Russian news agency Interfax reported that a rapid response was initiated, with approximately 240 firefighters mobilized to combat the inferno and contain the dangerous blaze. The conflagration extended across an estimated 600 square meters (6,450 square feet), requiring a substantial effort to bring it under control. Eventually, after hours of intense work, the fire was successfully extinguished, reported Ria news agency on Telegram.
Tragically, as the rescue operation progressed, the grim discovery of additional victims was made. The Russian Emergency Ministry confirmed via Telegram that the death toll had risen to 30 individuals, with 105 individuals suffering injuries in the aftermath of the incident. Among the injured, at least 10 individuals were in critical condition, according to reports from the Russian Ministry of Health.
The scale of the disaster prompted a swift response from various quarters, including President Vladimir Putin who expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims. He also wished for the speedy recovery of those injured. A criminal case was promptly initiated to determine the circumstances leading up to the fire and subsequent explosion, according to the regional branch of the Investigative Committee.
First Deputy Minister of Health of Russia, Viktor Fisenko, traveled to the scene to oversee medical efforts and organize care for the wounded. The victims who survived the explosion were set to be transported to Moscow hospitals via a special aircraft dispatched by the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
In the wake of the tragedy, the head of Dagestan, Melikov, pledged material and psychological support for the families of the victims, recognizing the profound impact of the incident on the community. The authorities and emergency responders are continuing their efforts to ensure that all aspects of the incident are thoroughly investigated and that support is provided to those affected by this heart-wrenching disaster.
