According to reports, explosions and a subsequent fire occurred overnight in the Russian city of Tuapse in Krasnodar Krai. The explosions were followed by a fire at a Rosneft oil refinery. Local authorities confirmed on the VK social network site that there was a “cotton” (an explosion) at the oil refinery, but reassured citizens that there was no cause for concern.
A photo of the fire was also published online, with Russian Telegram channels reporting that the windows of nearby houses were blown out. The administration of Tuapse reported that a fire was contained to an area of 200 square metres and was extinguished by 03:00. It was also stated that the oil tanks were not affected and there were no oil spills or casualties.
At this time, the cause of the incident is still unknown. It is possible that the fire was caused by either an industrial or technical malfunction. However, local authorities have yet to name the cause of the incident.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of oil refineries in Russia and the potential for similar accidents in the future. The incident is a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and regulations, especially around the handling of hazardous materials. It is also a reminder of the need for proper maintenance and oversight of oil refineries and other industrial sites.
