Explosion at Shirvan plant: dozens injured

According to preliminary information, dozens of people were injured after the today’s blast at about 02:30 PM (MSK) at the Araz plant in the city of Shirvan, which belonged to the Defense Ministry’s Industry of Azerbaijan.

The information about victims and their number was not confirmed by official agencies. Initially, six injured were brought to the central hospital in Shirvan. At the same time, the Ministry of Defense Industry informed about 11 wounded. By evening, the Ministry of Health circulated information that 24 consulted doctors at the Central Hospital of Shirvan.

The cause of the incident was the spark in 146 tons out of the 1,500 tons of products for utilization in accordance with the ordered by the Ministry of Defence. Minister of Defense Industry, Yaver Jamalov, and firefighters of the Ministry of Emergency Situations arrived at the scene in addition to the entire staff of the city of Shirvan Police Department.

Witnesses noted roar of exploding shells, which could be heard at a very long distance from the scene. The explosive blast broke windows of buildings in the city of Shirvan. Explosions are continuing now.

Emergency rescuers are evacuating residents living near the plant. Law enforcement officers blocked all roads within a radius of two kilometers. Five air medical service brigades have been sent from Baku. The situation is under the supervision of the Minister. The exact number of victims has not been revealed yet, Sputnik - Azerbaijan reports with reference to the Head of the press service of the country’s Ministry of Health, Liya Bayramova.

A group of experts from the Republican Burn Center in Baku on are on their way to the scene in order to provide the necessary medical care.

According to preliminary information provided by the police of Shirvan, explosions occurred in the armory of the plant. It is noted that the Araz Plant and Defense Ministry’s  ‘Telemekhanika’ are close to each other. Thus, there is a risk of fire and explosions at a nearby factory.

In addition, in connection with the explosion at the Araz plant Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry Industry has formed a State Commission. The corresponding decree was signed by President Ilham Aliyev.