A fire in a residential building in the southwest of Moscow has been extinguished following a tragic explosion that occurred on May 4, 2025. The incident, which took place on General Tyulenev Street, resulted in significant damage and loss of life.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS), the explosion happened in an apartment on the ninth floor, leading to a fire that engulfed two apartments and caused a partial collapse between the eighth and ninth floors. The fire covered an area of approximately 100 square meters, and the structural damage was estimated at about 60 square meters. The MChS reported that the fire was completely extinguished after extensive firefighting efforts.
As of the latest updates, two people have been confirmed dead, and reports indicate that between five to thirteen others were injured in the incident. Among the injured are two children, whose conditions are currently assessed as stable. However, one adult victim is in severe condition, while others have sustained moderate injuries. All victims have been transported to four specialized hospitals for treatment.
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as residents reacted to the explosion. One resident, who was among the first to flee the building, recounted, "We didn’t immediately understand what happened; it was only when we opened the window that we smelled the burning. We were one of the first to get out, and soon after, a crowd began to gather as others evacuated with their pets. It was a terrifying experience." This sentiment reflects the shock and fear felt by many residents as they witnessed the unfolding disaster.
The explosion was so powerful that it was heard by residents in neighboring buildings, prompting immediate action from emergency services. Around 60 specialists and 20 units of firefighting equipment were dispatched to the scene to manage the emergency and assist in evacuations. As part of the response, rescuers evacuated people from adjacent entrances and established temporary accommodation centers for displaced residents.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported on the situation via his Telegram channel, stating, "An incident occurred in the city—a fire in an apartment on General Tyulenev Street. Emergency services are on-site, providing all necessary assistance." He emphasized the swift response from city services and the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of all affected residents.
In the aftermath of the explosion and fire, the Cheremushkinsky Interdistrict Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation to determine the causes and circumstances surrounding the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that the explosion was severe enough to cause significant structural damage, leading to the collapse of floors within the building. Investigators have stated that the exact cause of the fire will be established following a series of fire-technical examinations.
As part of the emergency response, the gas supply to the building was cut off to prevent further risk, and a helicopter was deployed to assist in evacuating victims. Additionally, Mosgortrans provided extra-large buses to offer warmth and shelter to evacuated residents during the crisis.
Temporary accommodation has been set up at a nearby school on Profsoyuznaya Street, where volunteers have been mobilized to assist affected residents. They are providing hot drinks, food, and bedding to those displaced by the fire. As the situation stabilizes, local authorities are working to ensure that all residents receive the support they need.
The community has come together in response to this tragic event, with many expressing their condolences and offering assistance to those affected. The local government and emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that all necessary resources are available for recovery efforts.
As investigations continue, the city is focused on providing support to victims and preventing similar incidents in the future. With the fire now extinguished and the immediate danger passed, attention turns to understanding the underlying causes of this tragic event and ensuring the safety of residents in the area.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with residential fires and the importance of emergency preparedness. Local officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities or gas leaks to authorities promptly.
As the community begins to heal from this tragedy, the resilience of the residents and the effectiveness of emergency response efforts will be crucial in moving forward. Ongoing updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the investigation and recovery efforts.
