Moscow Suburbs, Russia (TEH) – A powerful explosion rocked the Moscow suburbs at approximately 11 o’clock in the morning, causing significant damage and leaving 25 known victims. The incident occurred at the Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant, a major manufacturer of optical and optoelectronic devices.
Eyewitnesses reported that the blast shattered windows in many neighboring houses, and a cloud of smoke and dust continues to rise over the city. Emergency services, including the governor of the Moscow region, Andrei Vorobyov, were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Preliminary data from emergency services suggest that the explosion was caused by a violation of technological processes. All employees of the enterprise were evacuated from the territory of the plant, and an investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the damage and the exact cause of the incident.
The Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant is a prominent manufacturer and developer of optical and optoelectronic devices for law enforcement agencies, industry, and healthcare. The enterprise produces a wide range of products, including binoculars, monoculars, hunting sights, night vision devices, medical, and analytical devices.
This explosion marks the second serious emergency in the Moscow region today. Earlier, at about 3 am, unknown drones attempted to attack facilities near the southern borders of the Russian capital. Both drones were shot down by air defense systems, resulting in no damages or casualties. However, the incident led to a temporary halt in operations at Domodedovo Airport, with no flights sent or received for two hours.
The back-to-back emergencies have raised concerns about safety and security in the region, prompting authorities to increase vigilance and review existing protocols. The governor has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of residents and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The explosion at the Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant is a stark reminder of the importance of adherence to safety regulations and the potential consequences of negligence. As the investigation continues, the focus will be on understanding the underlying factors that led to the explosion and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences.