Russia’s Sergiev Posad rocked by blast at optical electronics factory injuring at least 45 people

A blast rocked an optics and optical electronics factory in the town of Sergiev Posad, 50 km (30 miles) northeast of Moscow, on Wednesday (August 9), injuring at least 45 people, local authorities said. Emergency services said the blast appeared to have occurred in a warehouse containing pyrotechnic equipment, the state news agency TASS reported. The popular online news channel Mash said it had been rented by a pyrotechnics firm. Twenty-three people were admitted to hospital, including six in intensive care, the Sergiev Posad mayor’s office said. Footage on social media showed a huge column of smoke, and high-rise buildings with windows blown out. Reuters was able to confirm the location as Sergiev Posad from the design and position of the buildings, shape of the parking lot and roads to it and chimneys seen in the video which matched file and satellite imagery of the area. Reuters was able to confirm the date of the video through the metadata which matched reports from TASS. The Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant produces optical equipment for industrial and healthcare applications as well as for the Russian security forces. However, TASS cited emergency services as saying they did not believe the blast had been caused by a Ukrainian drone attack - many of which have taken place in Moscow and the surrounding area in recent weeks and months. The Sun newspaper brings you the latest breaking news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know Read The Sun: Like The Sun on Facebook: Follow The Sun on Twitter: Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat: #russia #wordnews #ukraine