Moscow heating plant explosion sparks controversy: company denies fire reports

The Moscow Times reported that witnesses heard a bang and saw a bright flash. The news outlet shared a recording of the explosion on Telegram. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

According to the SHOT channel, a transformer exploded at the CHPP-23 site, possibly due to a short circuit. "Witnesses reported a thick black plume of smoke immediately after the explosion. Several fire brigades are currently on the site," the report stated.

Experts are conducting investigations on the site to ascertain what caused the malfunction.

Interestingly, the power and heating plant itself denies a fire occurred on its premises.

"Contrary to many media reports of a fire allegedly breaking out at CHPP-23, we confirm that the power plant is functioning normally. There were no fires at the CHPP-23 site, and the facility is fulfilling its electrical and thermal responsibilities as per the dispatch schedules," reads a statement on the company's Telegram channel.