Gas-air explosion at Soda Company injures 36 in Russia’s Bashkortostan

The Big Picture

A gas-air mixture explosion struck a brick facility at the Bashkir Soda Company in Sterlitamak, in Russia’s Bashkortostan Republic about 1,200 km east of Moscow. Thirty-six people were injured and 22 were hospitalized after the blast, according to Russian state media TASS. Emergency officials reported no subsequent fire and said 42 responders with 15 pieces of equipment were sent to the site, Xinhua said.

What’s New

Regional investigators opened a criminal case over suspected violations of industrial-safety requirements at a hazardous production facility. The company said the explosion followed a pipeline leak during preparations for a scheduled shutdown at the vinyl chloride–polyvinyl chloride complex, TASS reported.

What They’re Saying

Authorities said environmental monitoring is ongoing around the plant and that the situation remains under control. The outlet added that those injured had been working in the immediate vicinity at the time of the incident and were promptly transported for treatment.

What’s Next

Investigators are examining shutdown procedures, maintenance logs, and pipeline integrity records to determine the precise cause. Officials noted the injury count could be updated as medical evaluations continue.

The Bottom Line

This was a serious industrial incident, not a mass-casualty event. With 36 injured and 22 hospitalized, no fire, and a criminal probe underway, the focus now is on safety compliance and root-cause findings, TASS reported.

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