Two dead in ammunition factory fire in Russia’s Perm

Two people were killed in a fire reported at an ammunition factory in Russia’s Perm, which manufactured charges for Grad and Smerch multiple launch rocket systems. The labour inspection claims that the fire was caused by ammunition combustion, however, local residents say that they heard an explosion.

The regional labour inspection told 59.ru news portal that two women had died in the fire. Another woman is currently in the hospital. Local officials told the news portal that ammunition caught fire in the production area of the factory. However, the Echo of Perm news outlet points out that local residents heard a major explosion that “made the windows shake,” after which smoke started to rise over the factory building.

According to RIA Novosti state news agency, the Perm ammunition factory produces charges for Grad and Smerch multiple launch rocket systems, boosters for sea-launched cruise missiles, including submarine-launched missiles, as well as charges for close combat systems, tanks and self-propelled artillery.

About a week ago, another fire was reported at a military research facility in Russia’s Tver. The building partially collapsed. A total of 17 people died in the fire, and about 40 were injured.