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FACTBOX: Explosion at filling station in Makhachkala

According to the Dagestani Interior Ministry, two out of eight tanks exploded and there is a danger of another explosion

© Gyanzhevi Gadzhibalayev/TASS

TASS, August 15. Twelve people were killed and 56 were injured in an explosion in Makhachkala on Monday night. According to the authorities, the explosion occurred opposite a filling station.

At the moment, according to the Emergencies Ministry, the open burning has been extinguished. TASS has gathered the main facts about the incident.

Circumstances of incident

- On Monday evening, an explosion took place at a filling station on the outskirts of Makhachkala. A huge fire broke out. According to the latest data, the area of the fire reached 600 square meters. The open fire was extinguished.

- As Dagestan Head Sergey Melikov told reporters, the explosion occurred opposite the filling station, its “causes and nature” are being determined.

- Two out of eight fuel tanks exploded. More than 70 people and 20 pieces of equipment are involved in extinguishing the fire.

- Police and city officials are moving people away from the scene. There is a risk of a second explosion.

- Gas supply was limited in the Makhachkala district where the explosion took place.

Casualties and fatalities

- According to official data, 12 people were killed, including two children, and 56 people were injured, including 13 children as a result of the incident.

- According to the Russian Health Ministry, hospitals in Makhachkala have everything necessary to treat the injured.

Reaction of the authorities

- According to the regional prosecutor’s office, an inspection has been organized in connection with the fire at the filling station.

- Senior Dagestani officials have arrived at the scene.

- The first deputy head of the Russian Health Ministry Viktor Fisenko arrived in Dagestan.

- The families of the victims will receive all necessary assistance, Melikov told TASS.

- The Russian Emergencies Ministry said that the victims would be flown to Moscow on a special ministry flight with doctors if necessary.

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