Gas station explosion in Dagestan claims 12 lives, triggers investigation

An explosion at a gas station in Russia’s Dagestan region on the Caspian Sea killed 12 people, including two children, the Emergencies Ministry reported on Saturday. The explosion, which occurred on Friday outside the regional capital Makhachkala, also injured 23 people.

Adviser to the Health Minister Alexei Kuznetsov said four people remained in hospital, one of them in serious condition, Russian state news agency RIA reported. Regional energy supplier Dagenergo confirmed that the explosion damaged “energy objects” and disrupted power supply in surrounding districts.

In response, an emergency regime was declared in the affected district. The local branch of the Investigative Committee, which is responsible for dealing with serious crimes, has launched a criminal investigation to clarify the circumstances of the incident. Authorities have declared September 28 a day of mourning in Dagestan.

(With contributions from agencies.)