Tragedy Strikes Southern Russia

At least 30 people were killed and hundred others injured in a massive explosion at a gas station in southern Russia’s Republic of Dagestan on Tuesday.

Official Report and Casualties

Russia’s Emergency Ministry reported that a total of 105 people were injured, and 30 of them died.

Loss of Innocent Lives

Three of those killed were children, Dagestan’s governor Sergei Melikov said.

Details of the Incident

The explosion took place Monday night on the outskirts of Makhachkala, the region’s capital. A fire started at a car repair shop and spread to a nearby gas station, prompting a blast, Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti reported, citing the country’s Emergency Ministry. The subsequent fire raged on an area of 600 square meters (6458 square feet), the report said.

Emergency Response and Treatment

Some of those injured will be airlifted to Moscow for treatment, according to the report.

Investigation and Compensation

Russian authorities have begun a criminal investigation.

Families of the victims will receive 1 million rubles (about $10,000) each, Dagestan’s authorities said, and those injured – 200,000-400,000 rubles.

National Mourning

Tuesday in Dagestan has been declared the day of mourning.

Another Tragedy in Western Siberia

Across Russia, in western Siberia, another blast killed two people and wounded five more on Monday night.

The explosion occurred at an oil mine in the Khanty-Mansiysk region late in the evening, local authorities said.