An explosion occurred at the "Nizhnekamskneftekhim" plant in Nizhnekamsk. There are fatalities and dozens of injured.

      In Nizhnekamsk, an explosion occurred at the "Nizhnekamskneftekhim" plant, local residents reported. Later, the city's mayor, Radmir Belyaev, confirmed that a fire had broken out on the plant's premises, and efforts are being made to localize the source of the fire. The official did not disclose the cause of the explosion. According to the Telegram channel Mash, which is close to the security forces, the cause was a technical malfunction — the explosion of a "dryer" in the workshop. Later, "Nizhnekamskneftekhim" reported that "the preliminary cause of the incident is a failure in the operation of the equipment." "Medical services are working at the scene, and the necessary assistance is being provided to the victims. Information about the number of injured is being clarified. Efforts are being made to localize the source of the fire," the company stated. The Ministry of Emergency Situations reported 13 injured in the fire at "Nizhnekamskneftekhim." According to the Telegram channel Baza, three of the injured are in serious condition. Authorities reported the introduction of a UAV danger regime and the closure of the "Begishevo" airport (serving Naberezhnye Chelny, Nizhnekamsk, and Yelabuga). Later, the restrictions were lifted. "Nizhnekamskneftekhim" is the largest Russian petrochemical enterprise located in Tatarstan. It is part of the SIBUR holding. UPDATED AT 15:03 (MSK): As a result of the explosion at "Nizhnekamskneftekhim," one person died, the company's press service reported. "As a result of a failure in the operation of the equipment and the subsequent fire, one person died. The management of the company expresses condolences to the family of the deceased. Support and financial assistance will be provided to his family. It is also currently known that there are 50 injured of varying severity, and they are receiving necessary medical assistance," the press service stated. The plant added that "the localization of the fire source is ongoing, with more than 60 personnel and 19 units of equipment from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia involved." "Specialists from accredited laboratories are monitoring air quality; no threats to residents and the ecological situation have been recorded," they clarified at "Nizhnekamskneftekhim." UPDATED AT 15:25 (MSK): A criminal case has been initiated in Tatarstan under the article on violations of industrial safety requirements for hazardous production facilities. Investigators are establishing the circumstances of the incident and are working with victims and witnesses. UPDATED AT 16:03 (MSK): Two people died as a result of the explosion at the "Nizhnekamskneftekhim" plant, according to the company's press service. Eight people were hospitalized, and another "64 who sought medical assistance sustained minor injuries." "The fire, which arose due to a failure in the operation of the equipment, has been localized. The fire is being extinguished. More than 150 personnel and 54 units of equipment from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia are involved in the firefighting," the company stated. UPDATED AT 17:53 (MSK): The number of fatalities has risen to three, TASS reports, citing emergency services. UPDATED AT 17:56 (MSK): Meanwhile, the press service of "Nizhnekamskneftekhim" in a press release at 17:55 local time reported that there are two fatalities. The company explained the causes of the emergency. "During the work to eliminate the consequences of the depressurization of equipment in the synthetic rubber production at 'Nizhnekamskneftekhim,' ignition of a gas mixture occurred from an unidentified source today, followed by an explosion. The fire has been localized, and efforts are being made to eliminate residual burning. There is no risk of fire spread," the press service clarified. The company reported that as a result of the fire, 20 people were hospitalized "for inpatient treatment." "Specialists from accredited laboratories are monitoring air quality; no threats to residents and the ecological situation have been recorded. The results of the monitoring will be published on the company's website and in official social networks," the press service of "Nizhnekamskneftekhim" concluded. Subscribe to our channel on Telegram.