Summary
A powerful blast at the Avangard chemical factory in Sterlitamak, Bashkortostan, killed three workers and injured five others, local authorities said Saturday.
The explosion destroyed one of the plant’s buildings, according to regional head Radiy Khabirov, who said the facility “handles explosive materials” and performs “an important state-mandated mission.” Two of the injured are in serious condition.
The Avangard plant reportedly manufactures weapons and ammunition for Russia’s war in Ukraine. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
The incident follows Ukrainian drone strikes last month on a nearby Gazprom oil refinery in Bashkortostan, part of Kyiv’s campaign to disrupt Russian energy and defense infrastructure.