The death toll from a gas station explosion in the Russian republic of Dagestan has risen to 13, following the discovery of another body under the rubble.
The explosion, which occurred in a suburb of Makhachkala, the region’s capital, has left the community in mourning.
In a statement released by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, officials confirmed the grim discovery on September 28, saying, “Another body has been found in Dagestan,” bringing the total fatalities to 13. Several others were reported injured in the blast, with local hospitals treating the critically wounded.
The Explosion and Aftermath
The deadly explosion rocked the gas station on the evening of September 27, sending shockwaves through Makhachkala’s outskirts.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by flames and thick black smoke billowing from the scene. Authorities say the gas station’s main building was completely destroyed, while two cars and a truck parked nearby also sustained significant damage.
Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the site to control the fire and begin rescue operations. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours, with debris scattered across the area. The search for survivors continued into the early hours of the morning.
Investigation Underway
In the aftermath of the explosion, local authorities launched a criminal investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
Investigators are considering several possibilities, including a violation of safety regulations. While no official statement on the exact cause has been released, the region’s Investigative Committee has vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
“We have opened a criminal investigation and are working to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic event. Safety violations, if confirmed, will lead to the appropriate legal consequences,” the committee’s spokesperson said.
Day of Mourning Declared
In response to the tragedy, Dagestan’s regional government declared September 28 a day of mourning.
Flags across the region were flown at half-mast as local residents and officials came together to honor the victims of the explosion. Several memorial services are expected to take place throughout the day in Makhachkala and nearby towns.
Local leaders expressed their condolences to the families affected by the disaster. Sergey Melikov, the Head of the Republic of Dagestan, pledged full support to the victims’ families and vowed that the government would assist with both medical and financial aid.
“This is a deeply tragic event for Dagestan. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones. We will do everything in our power to help those who have been affected,” Melikov said in a televised address.
A Region Hit by Tragedy
This explosion marks one of the deadliest incidents in Dagestan in recent years. The region, which is situated along the Caspian Sea, has seen its share of both natural and industrial disasters, but this recent explosion has sent shockwaves through the community.
As the investigation continues, local residents remain shaken by the incident, many expressing concerns over the safety of industrial and gas facilities in the area. For now, Dagestan mourns the lives lost and awaits the answers that the ongoing investigation is expected to provide.
Meanwhile, rescue efforts and cleanup operations are continuing at the blast site, with authorities urging the public to remain cautious and avoid the area until further notice.