Ten killed in explosion at Russian munitions plant in Urals

At least 10 people have been killed in an explosion at a Russian factory in the Urals that produces ammunition and weapons for the military, reports said.

Witnesses reported seeing explosions and fireballs at the Plastmas military plant in Kopeisk, near the city of Chelyabinsk.

Regional Governor Alexei Texler did not specify which factory was hit but confirmed the death toll. The Tass news agency said 18 others were injured.

Officials have not said what caused the blast but Texler stressed there was “no talk of a UAV (drone) attack”.

A day of mourning has been declared and investigators said they have opened a criminal investigation into the explosion.

Techsler said the fire in Copesk has been extinguished.