The Russian authorities confirmed on Monday that the death toll from a powerful explosion at a gunpowder plant in the Ryazan region has risen to 20 people. In addition, 134 others were injured, with at least 31 of them hospitalized for treatment of severe burns and trauma injuries. The tragedy struck the Elastik gunpowder and ammunition factory, located roughly 200 kilometers southeast of Moscow, on Friday. What began as an initial report of 11 fatalities quickly escalated as more victims were discovered, leaving the region reeling in shock. Officials declared a day of mourning, lowering flags and canceling public events to honor the lives lost.

The Explosion and Its Immediate Impact

The scale of destruction caused by the blast was immense. Images shared by the Russian Emergency Ministry showed one of the factory halls completely destroyed, its roof blown off and the structure reduced to smoking rubble. Witnesses described a deafening sound followed by a fiery shockwave that engulfed parts of the facility. Firefighters and emergency responders rushed to the scene, battling flames and sifting through debris for survivors.

 The operation has continued for days as authorities hold out hope of finding people trapped under the wreckage. For families of workers, the scene has been one of unbearable grief as they await word of their loved ones.

Suspected Causes and Safety Concerns

Early reports suggest the explosion may have been triggered by the detonation of a rogue shell inside the factory. The Telegram channel 112, which often cites law enforcement sources, claimed this was the most likely cause. Investigators, however, have pointed to a deeper, systemic issue—the repeated safety violations that have long plagued the facility. 

The Elastik plant had previously been warned multiple times about poor compliance with labor and industrial safety standards, raising questions about whether negligence once again played a role in the tragedy. Experts have emphasized that working with explosives requires the strictest adherence to safety protocols, and even the smallest oversight can result in catastrophic consequences.

Criminal Probe into Industrial Safety Violations

Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched a criminal case into the blast, citing suspected violations of industrial safety regulations. Officials have made it clear that there is no indication the incident was linked to Ukraine or any external sabotage. Instead, the focus is squarely on management practices, workplace conditions, and accountability within the factory. 

Fatal accidents in Russian factories are not uncommon, with experts often blaming mismanagement, outdated equipment, and insufficient oversight by regulatory bodies. The criminal investigation could result in charges against company officials, particularly if it is found that earlier safety warnings were ignored.

A Troubled History of Fatal Accidents

The Elastik gunpowder plant has a history marred by tragedy. In 2021, a similar blast at the same facility claimed the lives of 17 workers. Following that incident, several members of the plant’s management team were sentenced to prison terms for safety violations and negligence. Despite those punishments, critics say little has changed in terms of enforcement and safety culture. 

The recurrence of such a devastating accident just a few years later raises difficult questions about whether systemic reform is possible in an industry notorious for cutting corners. For the victims’ families, the latest disaster is a painful reminder of risks that were well known but inadequately addressed.