Pipeline explosion rocks major Russian petrochemical plant
9:03 PM EDT, August 19, 2024
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations reported a powerful explosion at a petrochemical plant in Sterlitamak, Bashkortostan. A fire also engulfed one of the pipelines.
Sterlitamak is located over 930 miles east of Moscow. The explosion took place on the grounds of Sterlitamaksky Neftekhimizichesky Zavod (SNKhZ).
According to residents of Sterlitamak, they heard the first explosions around 1 AM Eastern Time. A loud bang was heard near the pipelines, and then a fire appeared at the petrochemical plant as well.
The cause was a pipeline leak, resulting in the burning of liquefied gas, reported the portal Ura.
A huge explosion in Russia. Firefighters and security services working on-site
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed these reports. In a Telegram post, they stated that three people were injured as a result of the incident. Their condition is very serious.
On August 19, there was an explosion on the SNKhZ product pipeline on Ufimski Street 4. According to preliminary information, three people were injured. All the city’s emergency services are currently working on the scene - the city authorities reported.
Firefighters and security services are working on-site. The fire is difficult to control, and extinguishing efforts have been ongoing for many hours.
On the above-ground gas pipeline running over Ufimski Street, there was a drop in pressure, followed by the burning of liquefied gas. Twenty specialists and six units of fire services are working on-site - the local department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported.
Reuters reported that the plant produces rubber, high-octane fuel additives, and jet engine fuel.
