An explosion at northwestern Russia’s port of Ust-Luga has killed three citizens of Serbia and Uzbekistan, local media reported Friday, adding that five more people were injured.
Unidentified authorities told state news agencies the three deaths and five injuries occurred as a result of an accident during equipment testing at a gas complex in the Leningrad region’s Kingiseppsky District, which is home to the port.
District Head Viktor Tolkachyov told the outlet 47news.ru that “investigative bodies are working” at the site without providing any details.
The outlet, citing unidentified sources, reported that the accident was due to a gas explosion and that there did not appear to be signs of “sabotage.”
Last month, the FSB security service said it thwarted an attempted “terrorist attack” using magnetic explosives attached to the hull of a tanker ship that docked at Ust-Luga after arriving from Belgium.
According to 47news.ru, three of the five injured men aged 20, 39 and 40 were in critical condition. One of the two others, a 32-year-old man, is reportedly a native of India.
The Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga has been a regular target of Ukrainian drone attacks since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a “foreign agent.”
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.” We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It’s quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you’re defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.
×
Remind me next month
Thank you! Your reminder is set.
