A criminal case has been initiated following an incident at the Shagonarskaya district thermal power plant in Tuva, affecting several victims. The announcement came from the regional press service of the Investigative Committee, confirming a formal inquiry into the circumstances of the accident.
The investigators have charged the case under the article concerning negligence resulting in serious harm due to neglect of duties. The focus is on whether safety protocols failed and whether warnings were properly followed during the event.
Early on the morning of March 6, a fire broke out at the Shagonarskaya CHPP in the Ulug-Khem district. Reports indicate an explosion occurred as the fire spread, though official spokespeople have not yet detailed the precise chain of events. The situation prompted an urgent response from emergency services and local authorities, with ongoing efforts to determine the exact cause of the ignition and subsequent blast.
According to officials from the regional government, all four boilers at the power plant were reported undamaged and remained operational following the incident. The CHPP is known to serve around 60 households in the city, underscoring the plant’s role as a critical utility facility for the local community. This capacity fact highlights the potential impact on residents if the plant had been compromised for an extended period.
Latest updates indicate that 18 people were hospitalized in connection with the event. Regional authorities reported that nine of the injured are in moderate condition, three are in satisfactory condition, and six are in serious condition. Authorities also stated that searches for three additional individuals at the scene are ongoing, and rescue teams are continuing to assess structural integrity and potential hazards within the facility. Victims and families are being kept informed as information becomes available. [citation: Investigative Committee; regional government briefings]
Earlier reports from St. Petersburg noted that two men were detained for filming at another thermal power facility using a quadcopter, illustrating safety concerns around critical infrastructure in the broader region. This separate incident underscores a wider conversation about security and risk management near energy installations. [citation: regional law enforcement summaries]