Massive fire destroys key Russian military factory, faces sanctions

The Chelyabinsk Tractor Factory in Russia, where engines for military equipment were produced, has been destroyed by a massive fire. Consequently, the factory faced Ukrainian and American sanctions.

Reports about the fire were disclosed by several outlets including Ukrainian Pravda, Baza service, The Moscow Times, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation, and various Russian Telegram channels.

According to Baza service, eyewitnesses claim to have heard the sounds of explosions before the fire broke out, and a cloud of smoke ascended above the factory. Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated in the transformer station.

Mash service reports on the explosion of the transformer, leading to possible power supply interruptions in Chelyabinsk. In some residential buildings close to the factory, lights temporarily went out.

Medical rescuers were dispatched to the scene. Currently, there is no information available regarding potential casualties. Official reports state that the power was out for 15 minutes in some of the towers. At least eight vehicles equipped with specialized equipment were dispatched to the scene.

The Russian government confirmed that an oil transformer was alight over an area of 430 square feet.

The Moscow Times points out that the Chelyabinsk Tractor Factory was a primary supplier for the Uralvagonzavod corporation and was involved in the production of self-propelled artillery units, among other things.

In 2023, the factory faced sanctions from Ukraine and the United States authorities, as it specializes in the production of diesel engines for the military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces.