Mystery Blast At Russian Artillery Ammo Plant Results In 23 Dead

A massive explosion of unknown cause occurred earlier this month at the Plastmass military factory in Russia's central Chelyabinsk region, which produces explosives and artillery ammo. The recent update on casualties indicates that the death toll from the incident has risen to 23, following an extensive search and rescue operation that lasted a week. This incident ranks among the highest death tolls from a single blast at a Russian military factory during the Ukraine war. The explosion completely leveled an entire building at the plant, complicating rescue efforts as people were buried under the rubble. The regional government confirmed the final list of 23 victims, revising an earlier toll of 13 dead and 10 missing. A formal investigation has been launched into potential industrial safety violations at the facility. Initial speculation that the plant was targeted by a Ukrainian drone attack was pushed back by authorities, although this possibility has not been fully dismissed. The plant is located in the Urals, over 1,600km from the Ukrainian border, making a drone strike at that range geographically unlikely, though not impossible. Western media, including BBC Verify, authenticated two videos showing the moment and aftermath of the blast filmed from a distance. No close-up footage of the explosion moment has emerged publicly.