On April 22, 2025, a state of emergency was declared in the Kirzhach district of the Vladimir region following a significant explosion at a munitions depot. The incident occurred on the territory of a military unit, specifically due to the detonation of munitions caused by a fire, as reported by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
According to preliminary reports, the explosion was attributed to a violation of safety requirements when handling explosive materials. Thankfully, there have been no reported casualties, although four individuals have sustained injuries, as confirmed by Governor Alexander Avdeev.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations officially announced the emergency status in the area, advising local residents to refrain from traveling to the Kirzhach district. In light of the potential dangers, evacuation measures have been initiated for residents of Barsovo and Mirny, along with several other nearby settlements.
Evacuations are currently taking place in the villages of Gribanovo, Khrapki, Pershino, and the settlements of Dubki, as local authorities aim to secure the safety of the population. Emergency services are actively engaged in managing the aftermath of the explosion and ensuring that the situation remains under control.
Elena Karpova, head of the Kirzhach district, reassured residents that all operational response forces are present at the scene. She emphasized the importance of not spreading unverified information on social media until all circumstances surrounding the incident are clarified. “We are asking everyone to remain calm and comply with safety measures,” Karpova stated.
The governor also urged journalists, bloggers, and locals to avoid disseminating information regarding the incident until official updates are provided. This call for caution reflects the authorities' commitment to maintaining public safety and preventing misinformation.
In response to the explosion, the Ministry of Emergency Situations has mobilized firefighting units and rescue teams to the site. The prosecutor's office is monitoring the situation in areas where evacuated citizens are located. Temporary accommodation centers have been set up in five schools and two cultural houses to assist those displaced by the evacuation.
As the situation develops, the district administration has provided buses to facilitate the relocation of residents. Evacuees from Barsovo have been directed to neighboring Krasny Oktyabr, where they are being housed in schools No. 6 and No. 7. The local administration continues to work closely with emergency services to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken.
While the immediate threat from the explosion appears to be under control, officials remain vigilant. Governor Avdeev confirmed that all relevant services are actively engaged at the scene, and further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available.
This incident follows a recent tragedy in the Voronezh region, where the number of fatalities from a grenade explosion rose to four. The authorities are working diligently to prevent similar occurrences and are taking all possible measures to ensure the safety of the population in the Kirzhach district.
As investigations into the cause of the explosion continue, the Ministry of Defense has stated that those responsible for the violation of safety protocols will be held accountable. The explosion occurred near the 51st Arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate (GRAU), which is known to be a substantial munitions storage facility.
Local residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and to heed the warnings issued by authorities. The situation remains dynamic, and officials are committed to providing timely updates as they assess the full impact of the explosion.
In the meantime, the community is coming together to support those affected by the evacuation, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. The district administration is focused on restoring normalcy as quickly as possible while prioritizing the safety and well-being of all residents.
As more information is expected to be released, residents and the wider public are encouraged to remain patient and rely on verified sources for updates regarding the incident and ongoing safety measures.
