According to TASS news agency, Mr. Mekilov's press office stated: "As of 6:00 a.m. on August 15 local time, the tragedy claimed the lives of 27 people and injured 102 others." Among the victims were 3 children.

Firefighters extinguish a fire at the scene of a gas station explosion in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia.

Authorities are still working to clear the rubble and search for victims. Search and rescue dog teams are also deployed at the scene. In addition, an Il-76 aircraft of the Ministry of Emergency Situations is at the scene to transport the injured to hospital.

Investigators said that on the afternoon of August 14, a fire broke out at a car service station located at an intersection on the outskirts of Makhachkala, followed by a loud explosion. According to the head of the Dagestan Republic government, the initial explosion occurred opposite the gas station. Of the eight gas tanks, two exploded. The explosion caused a fierce fire with an area of ​​up to 600 square meters.

The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has mobilized more than 70 people and 20 technical vehicles to participate in extinguishing the fire. The fire has now been extinguished, but there is still a risk of re-ignition.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his condolences to the families of the victims. Meanwhile, the government of the Republic of Dagestan has provided 1 million rubles ($10,000) in compensation to the families of those killed.

The Republic of Dagestan also declared a day of mourning for the victims killed in the explosion.

VNA

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