The Grozny gas station where the blast occurred has become the focus of a court-ordered detention as investigators press forward with the case. The detention was reported on the Telegram channel of the Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee for the Chechen Republic, part of the Russian Federation. The inquiry is examining safety compliance at the facility and the sequence of events that led to the explosion and ensuing fire. Officials emphasize that the detention is a standard step within a broader investigation into how fire safety rules are followed at fuel sites that handle hazardous materials. As the case unfolds, authorities are collecting evidence, interviewing personnel, and reviewing maintenance records to determine accountability and prevent a recurrence in the region.
According to the ministry’s press service, the 55-year-old suspect is the owner of the LIONTEK gas station in Grozny. The explosion and fire occurred on October 12, drawing fire and rescue crews to the scene. Responders faced a substantial blaze that required careful containment and extended effort to prevent spread to nearby structures. Firefighters worked to cool tanks, secure gas lines, and establish a safe perimeter while investigators examined equipment and procedures at the station. The incident prompted nearby residents to evacuate or shelter in place, and authorities coordinated with local services to manage traffic and secure Muhammad Ali Street in the Akhmatovsky district as the probe began.
The fire was described in an official statement as arising from violations of safety requirements by the gas station operator while managing a hazardous facility. The claim reflects the current focus of the investigation and does not represent a final determination of guilt. Investigators are reviewing device condition, leak history, fuel-handling practices, and employee training to understand how the incident occurred and to verify whether standards were breached. Officials stress that the truth will emerge through a detailed audit of records, witness accounts, and material evidence gathered at the scene.
Earlier in Chechnya, the driver of a liquefied gas tanker was detained on suspicion of involvement in the Grozny blast. Authorities say the driver is being questioned as part of the broader inquiry into whether improper handling or storage of gas cargo contributed to the explosion. The case has prompted a wider examination of transport and storage practices for propane and other flammable fuels within the republic, with the aim of uncovering any operational gaps and reinforcing safety protocols for fuel deliveries and on-site dispensing.
The explosion took place in the Akhmatovsky district of Grozny on Muhammad Ali Street in the afternoon of October 12. Early assessments point to a possible rupture of a fuel tank as a catalyst for the blast and fire. Reports indicate that the force of the explosion hurled a container across the area into the courtyard of a nearby residential building, creating additional hazards for residents and complicating rescue operations. Video footage of the event circulated online, illustrating the scale of the blast and the intensity of the fire as responders moved in to secure the area and safeguard the neighborhood. The investigation continues as authorities reconstruct the sequence of events and determine all contributing factors.