Explosions at a petrochemical plant in Sterlitamak, Bashkortostan

Explosions and fire at a plant in Sterlitamak

In the city Sterlitamak (Bashkortostan, Russia) On 4 November, several explosions occurred on the territory of Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant (SNKhZ).
According to local authorities, a fire broke out as a result of the explosions, which covered part of the company's industrial area.

First, the head of the city administration Emil Shaimardanov said that The explosion occurred in a water treatment plant. At the time of the incident, there were five employees there, but according to preliminary information, they were killed, no casualties.
Emergency and rescue services arrived at the scene.

Russian authorities report a «drone attack»

Later, the head of Bashkortostan Radiy Khabirov said the explosions were the result of «a terrorist drone attack».
According to him, the following was recorded on the territory of the industrial complex two UAVs, which allegedly the forces of the Ministry of Defence and the company's security were shot down.

«Both drones were destroyed. Their wreckage fell in the industrial area near the auxiliary shop. There were no casualties, the plant is operating normally,» Khabirov said.

Despite these statements, local Telegram channels report powerful explosions and a plume of smoke, which was visible from different parts of the city.

Restrictions at Ufa airport lifted

Due to reports of a UAV attack Ufa airport temporarily restricted the arrival and departure of aircraft, However, later these restrictions was removed.
Air traffic has been restored to normal.

Context: a series of attacks on oil refineries in Russia

Sterlitamak is another region of Russia where the explosions at strategic industrial facilities.
Over the past week, drones have attacked Refineries in Kstovo, Volgograd and Bryansk, which led to Fires and temporary production stoppages.

The Russian authorities traditionally claim that the drones were «shot down» and that there was no damage, but photos and videos from the scene show significant damage to the infrastructure.