On Thursday, a Russian warplane accidentally fired a weapon into the city of Belgorod, located near the border of Ukraine, causing significant damage to buildings and injuring two women. The incident, which was reported by state-owned Tass news agency and cited by the defence ministry, formed a crater measuring 20 metres across on one of the city's main streets, prompting the regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, to declare a state of emergency.
Cause of the Accident
The Russian defence ministry stated that a Sukhoi Su-34 air force plane had "accidentally discharged" aviation ammunition while flying over Belgorod. However, the ministry did not specify the type of weapon involved in the incident. An investigation has been initiated, and some buildings were damaged in the blast, according to Russia's Tass news agency.
Impact of the Explosion
Visuals from the site of the explosion showed several damaged cars and a building with broken windows. The incident is particularly concerning as it occurred in a region that has been rocked by explosions since the start of the ongoing war with Ukraine in February 2022. The Belgorod region is one of several parts of southern Russia where targets, such as fuel and ammunition stores, have been subject to explosions.
Injuries and Emergency Measures
Two women were injured in the blast, and they are currently receiving medical attention. The regional governor has urged residents to stay away from the site of the explosion to allow emergency services to respond effectively.
The accidental discharge of ammunition from a Russian warplane has caused significant damage to the city of Belgorod and injured two women. The incident is concerning, given the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which has already resulted in explosions in the region. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident and the extent of the damage. The state of emergency declared by the regional governor is a necessary measure to ensure that residents receive the support they need.
