In brief
At least ten people have died in an explosion at the Plastmass military plant in Kopeisk, near Chelyabinsk, Russia. Witnesses reported seeing a fireball as the explosion occurred, and authorities have confirmed 18 injuries. Governor Alexei Teksler dismissed speculation of a drone attack and emphasized that a criminal investigation is underway. A day of mourning has been declared in response to this tragic event.
An explosion at a Russian factory in the Urals producing ammunition and weapons for the military has left at least 10 people dead, reports say.
Witnesses described seeing explosions and a fireball at the Plastmass military plant in Kopeisk, near the city of Chelyabinsk.
Regional governor Alexei Teksler did not specify which factory had been hit but he confirmed the death toll. Tass news agency said 18 other people had been injured.
Authorities have not said what caused the blast but Teksler stressed that there is no talk of a UAV (drone) attack.
A day of mourning has been announced and investigators say they have opened a criminal inquiry into the blast.
Teksler said the fire in Kopeisk had been put out.
