Explosions Rock Russian Military Depot Near Moscow {PHOTOS}

A series of powerful explosions shook the Vladimir region of Russia on Tuesday after a fire broke out at a major military depot in the town of Barsovo, located roughly 130 kilometers (80 miles) northeast of Moscow.

According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the blaze, which led to the detonation of stored ammunition, was caused by “violations of safety protocols.”

The fire erupted on the premises of a military unit, triggering a chain of detonations that sent shockwaves through the surrounding area. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported, but the scale of the blast prompted swift action from local authorities.

As rounds of ammunition continued to explode, emergency services rushed to the scene, and evacuations began in nearby villages to ensure the safety of residents. An emergency situation was officially declared in the Kirzhach district, and a special investigative commission has been formed to determine the exact cause of the fire.

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Dramatic videos have since emerged on social media — though yet to be verified — showing a massive fireball lighting up the sky, followed by thunderous blasts and towering clouds of smoke. In several clips, emergency vehicles can be seen speeding through the streets en route to the depot.

In a statement, the Defence Ministry acknowledged that the fire was likely triggered by mishandling of explosive materials. “According to preliminary information… the cause of the fire was a violation of safety standards in work with explosive materials,” the ministry said.

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This isn’t the first time the Barsovo depot has faced a crisis. In the summer of 2022, five lives were lost in a similar explosion. More recently, in March 2025, residents were evacuated after a reported drone strike targeted the area.

These repeated incidents have raised growing concerns over safety measures at military storage facilities in the region. As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about how such a critical site has become the scene of multiple emergencies in recent years.