Explosion in Petersburg military academy injures seven

In Petersburg, in the building of the Budyonny Military Communications Academy, there was an explosion. Emergency services arrived at the scene. At least seven people were injured.

Witnesses reported the disturbing incident at the academy to the emergency services, alerting them about a "loud explosion."

Fire trucks, ambulances, and police quickly arrived at the scene.

Information about a drone attack on the academy building immediately appeared on Telegram channels. However, these reports were quickly refuted by St. Petersburg governor Alexander Beglov.

"This incident is not of a terrorist nature. The military authorities are handling it," he stated.

Soon after, the press service of the Leningrad Military District issued an official statement. "On May 17, 2024, around 12:00 PM Eastern Time, an explosion occurred in the Budyonny Military Communications Academy utility area. During the cleaning of one of the basement rooms, while loading trash into a container, an explosion took place. As a result of the explosion, seven soldiers were injured. All the injured were transported to a medical facility of the Russian Ministry of Defense where they are receiving necessary medical care," the statement said.

What exploded in the trash container? According to TASS and Ria Novosti agencies, citing the authorities of the Leningrad Military District, it was a "3-inch artillery shell" from the World War II period.