At least 35 dead as Russian fuel station explodes

President Vladimir Putin expressed his sympathies after an explosion at a petrol station in the remote Russian territory of Dagestan in the Caucasus claimed at least 35 lives.

Images released by the emergency ministry showed burnt-out vehicles silhouetted by the enormous fire and helmeted rescuers working to extinguish the flames and clear the debris.

According to government ministries, 80 people were hurt and 35 individuals killed.

The Kremlin issued a statement saying: “President Putin expresses his most sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the tragedy in Dagestan and wishes a speedy recovery to the victims.”

According to a social media post from the regional office of the Investigative Committee, which looks into big incidents, the explosion in the city of Makhachkala took place at a petrol station after a fire started.

“A fire occurred during car maintenance work, followed by a bang, as a result of which people were injured and died,” the committee said, adding that nearby buildings and cars were damaged.

To determine the events leading up to the fire, a criminal case has been initiated, it was said.

Source