On April 22, 2025, a powerful explosion rocked the Kirzhach district of the Vladimir region in Russia, prompting the evacuation of residents from multiple nearby villages. The explosion, which reportedly sent a mushroom-shaped plume of smoke into the sky, has raised serious safety concerns among local authorities and residents alike.
Governor Alexander Avdeev confirmed the incident through his Telegram channel, stating, "An explosion occurred in the Kirzhach district. Relevant services are working at the site. More detailed information will be reported later." He urged journalists, bloggers, and local residents to refrain from spreading unverified information about the situation, warning that violations of regional laws could lead to fines.
According to various local news sources and Telegram channels, the explosion occurred in the village of Barsovo, which is home to a military unit known as the 51st arsenal of the main rocket and artillery directorate of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. This military facility is primarily responsible for the storage and maintenance of ammunition.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that multiple explosions were heard in the area surrounding the military unit. Reports from local residents indicated that the blasts were so powerful that windows rattled and some were blown out. One resident described the sound as "small explosions every second," highlighting the ongoing nature of the detonations.
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) has confirmed that evacuations are taking place in several settlements, including Barsovo, Mirny, Dubki, and the villages of Pershino, Khrapki, and Gribanovo. The total number of evacuated residents is not yet clear, but the ministry has established temporary accommodation points in five schools and two cultural centers in the city of Kirzhach.
Emergency response teams, including firefighters and rescue workers, have been deployed to the site of the explosion, with additional units being sent to assist as needed. The head of the Kirzhach district, Elena Karpova, reassured residents that all emergency response forces are actively involved and urged them to remain calm during this crisis.
In light of the explosions, a state of emergency has been declared in the Kirzhach region. The Ministry of Defense has indicated that the cause of the explosion was due to a fire and subsequent detonation of ammunition at the military facility, attributed to safety violations during handling of explosive materials.
While there have been no official reports of injuries, some local Telegram channels suggest that at least three individuals may have sustained injuries during the incident. Reports also noted that a piece of ammunition struck a residential building in the SNT Vyazma area, although it did not detonate, and thankfully, there were no casualties as no one was inside the home at the time.
As authorities continue to assess the situation, the road leading to Kirzhach from Moscow has been blocked by police vehicles, further complicating access to the area. The local emergency services are working diligently to ensure that residents are safely evacuated and that the situation is contained.
This incident follows a history of safety concerns at the military facility, including a tragic event in June 2022 when five people lost their lives due to a shell detonation, three of whom were military personnel. Moreover, just last month, residents of Barsovo were evacuated due to threats posed by potential drone attacks.
As the situation develops, officials are expected to provide further updates regarding the extent of the damage and any potential risks to surrounding areas. The community is urged to stay informed through official channels and to prioritize safety as emergency services work to manage the aftermath of this alarming event.
The ongoing situation in Kirzhach serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with military installations and the importance of rigorous safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
