More large storage tanks in the city of Proletarsk have now been affected by the fire, Russian state news agencies reported Tuesday. They are referring to local authorities. The fire is said to have spread over an area of 10,000 square meters, according to Russian sources.
Agencies reported that more than 500 firefighters were deployed to put out the blaze, and that 41 of them were injured. Russian media reported that five of them were admitted to the emergency room.
Ukraine's defense command claimed responsibility for the attack on the warehouse on Sunday, saying it was being used to supply the Russian military. They described the attack as a measure to undermine Russia's “military and economic potential.”
AFP points to videos and photos on social media showing a massive fire and a plume of black smoke rising. Satellite data from NASA's Fire Monitoring System, FIRMS, website shows a big fire At the facility outside Proletarsk.
Proletarsk is located in the Rostov region, about 200 kilometers from the border with Ukraine.
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