Blast at Perm gunpowder plant during equipment removal; several injured
PERM. July 31 (Interfax) - Five employees at a gunpowder factory in Perm were left injured following a minor blast during removal of equipment, the enterprise's General Director Oleg Mirgorodsky told Interfax on Wednesday.
"At 4:08 p.m. local time on Wednesday, an accident affecting multiple persons occurred at a production site of the Perm gunpowder plant. Five people were injured while handling manufactured items. It took place during the dismantling of equipment," Mirgorodsky said.
Two people suffered burns to 60% and 35% of their skin and another three sustained minor injuries. Their lives are not in danger. All of the injured have been hospitalized. One is in a critical condition and undergoing surgery.
The factory set up an inquiry commission, and the building has been cordoned off and all entrances closed.
The incident did not affect the enterprise's production process, Mirgorodsky said.
The Perm gunpowder factory is one of Russia's biggest defense suppliers. It produces several types of projectiles and gunpowder, as well as civilian products. During the war years from 1941-1945, the factory manufactured gunpowder and projectiles for large-caliber artillery and for the Katyusha rocket launcher.