A deadly explosion at one of Russia’s largest chemical facilities, in western Russia, killed two people and injured at least 72, the company Sibur reported on Tuesday.
The blast at Nizhnekamskneftekhim in Nizhnekamsk was caused by an equipment malfunction. It triggered a major fire that required dozens of firefighters to bring under control.
Sibur confirmed that eight of the injured were hospitalized, while 64 others sustained minor injuries. Officials stressed that no hazardous emissions were released, and continuous air monitoring was underway—aiming to ensure public safety. The fire has since been contained.
Nizhnekamsk mayor Radmir Belyaev noted that the explosion shattered windows in surrounding buildings, while unverified social media footage showed thick black smoke and a fireball rising from the facility.
The local investigative committee has launched a probe into possible violations of industrial safety regulations. Nizhnekamskneftekhim, a leading Russian producer of synthetic rubber and plastics, supplies materials to industries including agriculture, automotive, construction, and pharmaceuticals.
