On the grounds of the Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant in Sergiyev Posad, a fireworks warehouse was the scene of a blast early on Wednesday that damaged dozens of vehicles and broke windows in a number of homes and community centers, according to the Russian authorities.

An explosion occurred at an optical-mechanical plant in Sergiev Posad near Moscow. This is the biggest attack so far inside mainland Russia and it will have serious repercussions. Here are some videos and images. pic.twitter.com/Z8cRNPFBK6

— Abhijeet Tripathi (@AbhiNationalist) August 9, 2023

The regional health ministry announced later that so far, there are 43 injuries caused by the explosion at a facility in the Moscow Region city of Sergiyev Posad.

The Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant manufactures precision optical tools for the military, including binoculars and active infrared night vision equipment.

Damage to the Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant appears to be Extremely Severe with almost every single Building on the Complex said to have been Totally Destroyed or Damaged to the point of Inoperability. pic.twitter.com/rRpwkYLszH

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) August 9, 2023

The emergency services informed Sputnik earlier in the day that an explosion had occurred at an optical-mechanical plant in Sergiyev Posad. A complete evacuation was caused by the tragedy. Previous reports claimed that the explosion had harmed around 30 persons.

"Currently, 23 ambulance teams, five teams of the Territorial Center for Disaster Medicine and an air ambulance helicopter are working at the site in Sergiyev Posad. At the moment, 43 injured are reported, of which six are in serious condition. All the victims are receiving the necessary medical care," the ministry wrote on Telegram.

According to a statement on Telegram from the Sergiyev Posad Urban District administration, the explosion that shook a plant in the town of Sergiyev Posad outside of Moscow was caused by technological malfunction.

A local newspaper reported that five people injured were taken to intensive care with 100% burns to their bodies.

"The explosion occurred at a fireworks warehouse, which was rented by a well-known local company. The blast was caused by a violation of technological processes," Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Construction, Housing and Communal Services Sergey Pakhomov said.

He said that plant employees of other firms that rented spaces on the plant’s territory were being evacuated.

150 people work to deal with the blast's aftermath while rescuers clear away debris. The firm has issued a complete evacuation. Regarding the violation of the rules governing industrial safety, the Investigative Committee brought criminal accusations.