The investigative department of Russia’s Dagestan Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case following an emergency at a gas station in Makhachkala that left several people injured. Officials indicated that the incident is being investigated with attention to the sequence of events and the possible factors that contributed to the injuries and damage. Area observers and local residents have provided initial descriptions, but investigators emphasize that formal inquiries are underway to establish the precise cause and the scope of responsibility involved.
A provision of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, specifically Article 238 in its interpretation related to negligent actions resulting in damage or injury, is being considered as investigators assess the potential criminal liability of the participants or organizations involved in the incident. The emphasis remains on determining whether negligence played a critical role in the events that unfolded and how such negligence might be proven in a court of law, should the case proceed to trial. The scope of the inquiry includes evaluating maintenance procedures, safety protocols, and the adequacy of risk controls at the facility.
According to inspectors, a fire began during the maintenance work inside the vehicle maintenance building near the intersection of Kulinskaya Street and the Federal Highway in the village of Novokuli. Around 21:50 local time, witnesses reported a blaze that rapidly escalated, followed by an explosion that sent debris and flames outward toward nearby vehicles and personnel in the area. The resulting injuries affected several individuals and caused substantial material damage, prompting swift actions by emergency responders and subsequent forensic examinations to determine the chronology of events and the exact ignition source.
Earlier remarks from the Dagestan Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations described the sequence as a fire that broke out after an explosion at the same gas station location in Makhachkala, with responders working to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation. The official statements noted that the site experienced immediate tensions as flames spread, necessitating evacuation measures and continuous monitoring of air quality in the surrounding streets and neighborhoods until it was deemed safe for residents to return to their homes and businesses. Investigators have since continued to piece together the timeline and the factors that precipitated the initial blast.
In a separate briefing, Sergei Melikov, president of the Republic of Dagestan, stated that the causes and nature of the explosion were being clarified and that the origin appeared to be located opposite the gas station itself, a detail that has guided investigators toward understanding the environmental and infrastructural conditions present at the moment of detonation. Officials underscored the importance of comprehensive examination to prevent recurrence, including a review of station operations, storage practices, and emergency response readiness in similar facilities across the region. The findings are anticipated to inform safety guidelines and regulatory oversight moving forward.
As the situation evolved, responding fire units reported extinguishing the blaze and securing the area along the Plevako embankment where a burning vehicle had been observed. Firefighting teams coordinated with police and emergency medical services to manage casualties, secure the perimeter, and preserve evidence for forensic analysis. The coordinated effort demonstrated the standard procedure for handling high-risk incidents near fuel stations, where rapid action can mitigate more severe outcomes and aid in the subsequent reconstruction of events for judicial review. Local residents were urged to remain calm while authorities conducted their investigations and ensured that essential services continued to function with minimal disruption.