Three people were killed and five others injured in a powerful explosion at the Avangard chemical plant in the Russian republic of Bashkortostan.

The plant, located in the city of Sterlitamak, is known for producing ammunition and explosives used in Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.

Regional head Radiy Khabirov said on Telegram that “a pretty violent explosion destroyed one of the buildings” at the site. He confirmed that three women were killed and two of the five injured are in serious condition. Emergency crews have been deployed to search for possible additional victims and to assess the structural damage.

Authorities said the cause of the blast is still under investigation. Local media reported that the explosion occurred in a workshop handling nitrocellulose, a highly flammable material used in propellants and explosives. Experts are evaluating whether safety violations or equipment malfunction may have caused the incident.

The Avangard plant “carries out an important state mission” and “handles explosive materials,” Khabirov said. Russian officials have not commented on whether the explosion may have been related to sabotage or drone attacks.

The blast follows a series of Ukrainian drone strikes last month on industrial and energy facilities in Bashkortostan, including a major Gazprom oil refinery. Those attacks were part of Ukraine’s ongoing campaign to target Russian infrastructure that supports its war effort.

The explosion has renewed concerns about safety standards at Russia’s defense production facilities and highlighted the vulnerability of its domestic military-industrial sites amid the ongoing conflict. (ILKHA)