A fire broke out at a Russian gunpowder factory in the city of Kotovsk, Tambov region, according to reports from Astra and regional authorities.

The Russian Investigative Committee stated that one of the workshops at the facility caught fire on the morning of July 3, though they did not name the enterprise.

However, local media and social media users report that the incident took place specifically at the gunpowder plant.

Tragically, three workers lost their lives, and several others were hospitalized as a result of the blaze.

Photo on the topic: Tambov Powder Plant

The preliminary cause of the fire is believed to be a violation of technological processes. Firefighters who arrived at the scene were able to contain the blaze.

The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case under the article related to industrial safety violations that resulted in the deaths of two or more people.

The plant in Kotovsk is one of the largest gunpowder producers in Russia and specializes in the production of smokeless powders based on nitrocellulose, as well as related products for both military and civilian use.

Ukrainian drones targeted this key facility of the military-industrial complex of the Russian Federation on the night of June 11.

As a result, a fire broke out on the factory grounds, which was captured on video by local residents.

The Tambov Powder Plant is part of the state-owned corporation Rostec. It produces over 200 types of products, including pyroxylin-based powders for small arms, hand grenades, grenade launcher rounds, as well as artillery and mortar ammunition.

The facility is located approximately 360 kilometers from the Ukrainian state border.