Explosion Shakes Russian Military Optics Plant Close to Moscow

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An explosion occurred at a factory near Moscow that manufactures optical systems for the Russian military. The incident resulted in 52 injuries and sent a column of smoke into the sky.

Authorities stated that the blast was caused by a fireworks company, which rented storage space from the factory and violated technical protocols. The rented space was used to store equipment for their displays.

The factory is a significant developer and manufacturer of precision optical devices for the Russian military, producing items such as night vision goggles, binoculars, and equipment for police, science, and healthcare.

This explosion is one of several that have occurred at industrial sites in Russia recently. These incidents have been attributed to Ukrainian drone strikes or pro-Ukrainian saboteurs. Last year, the same plant caught fire amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian drone strikes have become increasingly common in the Moscow region, with two combat drones shot down on Wednesday. Security camera footage captured the explosion at the plant in Sergiev Posad, a small city north of Moscow.

Russia accused Kyiv of a twin drone attack targeting Moscow, which they successfully thwarted without any casualties or damage. There are unconfirmed reports of casualties, suggesting Ukraine’s ongoing attempts to target the Russian capital.

The Zagorsk optical plant played a significant role in producing equipment for the Russian army during the second world war. As the frontlines drew closer to Moscow, the plant was relocated to Siberia.

Authorities stated that the explosion occurred at a rented warehouse on the plant’s grounds. The warehouse, measuring 40×40 metres, was being used by a private company called Piro-Ross, which has connections to the military.

Piro-Ross, as per their website, was established by defense sector companies and held a longstanding contract with the Russian ministry of defense. They provided fireworks displays for Victory Day celebrations in May, commemorating the end of the second world war.

Videos of the explosion showed debris scattered around the area, damaging cars and buildings. Glass from blown-out windows was also found outside a nearby apartment block.

Emergency services reported 31 injuries, including three individuals in intensive care. A total of 19 people were taken to the hospital for necessary treatment. As a precaution, people were evacuated from all buildings and workshops at the Zagorsk optical plant, as well as the nearest kindergarten.

Drones attributed to Ukraine have targeted industrial plants across Russia since the start of the war. In recent weeks, drones have been shot down over Moscow, some crashing into skyscrapers in the city’s business district.

Russian officials confirmed that two armed drones heading towards Moscow were destroyed in the early hours of Wednesday. One drone was shot down near Domodedovo, while the other was intercepted near the Odintsovo suburban area. There is no information about casualties from falling debris at this time.