Russia: Massive explosion at gas station kills 27, over 100 injured
Russia explosion: The death toll following an explosion at a gas station in Russia's Makhachkala has risen to 27, according to TASS News Agency, quoting Dagestan Region head Sergey Mekilov.
"As of 6:00 a.m. local time (3:00 a.m. GMT) on August 15, the tragedy killed 27 people and left 102 injured," he said.
Three children were among those killed, according to the regional head.
On Monday night, an explosion occurred near a gas station in Makhachkala. Following that, a 600-square-meter fire broke out in the neighbourhood. The open fire was put out.
Earlier, Dagestan Head Sergey Melikov told reporters that the explosion happened opposite the fueling station. According to TASS, Melikov stated that the "causes and nature" of the explosion are being investigated.
According to the reports, two of the eight fuel tanks exploded. The fire was put out by more than 70 individuals and 20 pieces of equipment. People were being moved away from the scene by police and local officials due to the possibility of a second explosion.
An inspection has been undertaken in connection with the fire at the filling station, according to the regional prosecutor's office, TASS said. Senior Dagestani officials arrived at the scene of the incident, while Viktor Fisenko, the first deputy head of the Russian Health Ministry, arrived in Dagestan.