Prosecutors exclude arson, terrorist attack theories in Kazan gunpowder factory fire
KAZAN. Oct 24 (Interfax) - The fire, which occurred in the nitro-enamel shop of a Kazan gunpowder factory on Thursday morning, is being investigated, head of the Kazan prosecutor's office supervising the observation of laws at restricted access facilities in Tatarstan Sergei Starostin told Interfax.
"I can say only that this was not an instance of arson or a terrorist attack. We know that the loading of certain ingredients into a shop installation caused a flash and the fire started," Starostin said.
Detectives of the 35th specialized fire department, which deals with restricted access areas, are looking into the fire, and prosecutors are overseeing their work, he said.
"Detectives are clarifying the circumstances surrounding the event and interviewing factory personnel. Firemen stopped pouring water into the shop 30 minutes ago, and the detectives began to examine the fire scene," Starostin said.
They will also assess the material losses and the injuries of the shop's female worker.
"No one sustained serious injuries. A woman has a facial burn. Reportedly, she has suffered relatively minor injuries," the prosecutor said.
A procedural decision will be made when the inquiry is over.
The fire on the second story of the three-story brick building was reported at 7:36 a.m. Moscow time, and the blaze was confined within 120 square meters by 8:47 a.m. Moscow time. Technological processes were suspended. A 46-year-old woman was taken to a hospital with first and second degree burns on her face, neck and hands. Another worker was in shock. He was given medical assistance at the scene.