Explosion at Gunpowder Factory in Kazan — Building Collapsed, Casualties Reported

An explosion occurred at one of the production sites of the Kazan Gunpowder Factory, which specializes in the production of gunpowder for small arms ammunition and artillery.

The publication ASTRA reports on the incident.

According to available information, the explosion occurred between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Local authorities described it as “technogenic,” though no air raid alert was issued in the region.

Emergency services and a significant amount of specialized equipment arrived at the facility promptly. No reports of a fire were received.

Three people were injured as a result of the explosion, and a partial collapse of the building was also recorded.

Preliminary reports indicate the explosion was caused by a pressure relief system.

The Kazan Gunpowder Plant is one of the key enterprises of the Russian defense-industrial complex.

It produces gunpowder and propellants for a wide range of weapons — small arms, aviation, naval, artillery, and tank — as well as for close-quarters combat systems.

Specifically, the plant manufactures propellant for small arms with calibers ranging from 5.45 to 14.5 mm, ammunition for artillery systems with calibers ranging from 23 to 30 mm, as well as propellant charges for the launch rocket motors of RPG-26, RPG-27, and RPG-29 grenade launchers.

In addition, the plant produces nitrocellulose, nitroenamels, varnishes, and other pyrotechnic products.

The company is subject to sanctions by a number of countries. In particular, in May 2023, it was added to the U.S. export sanctions list. Earlier, in October 2021, Ukraine imposed sanctions against the plant.

In July 2023, the U.S. additionally added it to the blocking list, and in Liutyi 2024, the company and its CEO were added to the European Union’s sanctions list. The plant is also subject to restrictions from the United Kingdom, Japan, and Switzerland.

Earlier, it was reported that the chemical plant “Tolyattikauchuk” in Tolyatti, Samara Oblast, had been attacked.