Rescuers are continuing to search for two employees who remain unaccounted for after a blaze at the Ozone depot near Moscow. The report aired on the television channel Russia 24 featured remarks from Alexander Chupriyan, the first deputy head of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. He noted that the fate of the two workers had not been determined at the headquarters and that smoke from the incident hampered the search, with no sign of the missing individuals found so far, though the situation was dangerous and fluid.
On August 3, a fire broke out in the warehouse building operated by the Ozone company in the village of Petrovskoye, located in the Istra district of the Moscow region. The fire had been localized, but rescue teams remained active at the site to ensure the area was secure and to prevent re ignition. Local authorities stated that firefighting efforts were ongoing and that investigators would later assess the causes and circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Moscow Region reported that specialists had classified the fire at the Ozone depot in Istra as a situation resulting from services not meeting safety requirements. This assessment points to potential violations in safety protocols that may have contributed to the spread of the blaze. The investigation is ongoing, and officials pledged to pursue all relevant leads to determine how the incident unfolded.
According to available information, the number of people injured in the depot fire has been updated, with a 13-year-old among the casualties. The authorities have confirmed the death of this young victim, underscoring the tragic human cost of the event. Emergency teams continued to work at the scene to stabilize conditions, provide medical care to the wounded, and secure the perimeter to protect nearby residents and facilities.
Arson has been discussed by sources within the emergency services as the only plausible version of the fire at the moment. While investigators gather evidence from the scene, they are examining various scenarios, including the possibility that intentional ignition could have played a role. The investigative process will include reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and collecting material samples to build a comprehensive timeline of events. Officials emphasized that no conclusions should be drawn until expert analysis is complete.
Residents in the surrounding communities have been advised to stay informed through official channels and to follow safety guidance issued by regional authorities. Local authorities have pledged to maintain a transparent briefing schedule as new facts emerge. The incident has drawn attention to industrial safety and the importance of rigorous enforcement of safety standards in storage facilities. Public officials noted that ongoing inspections and improved safety training are essential to reducing the risk of future incidents and to ensuring rapid, effective responses when emergencies happen.
In summary, the fire at the Ozone depot near Moscow resulted in injuries including a young casualty, with two workers still missing. Authorities have indicated that arson is a leading hypothesis under consideration while the investigation advances. The region will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available. The aim is to establish a clear account of the causes, ensure accountability where warranted, and reinforce safety measures to prevent recurrences. The ongoing response underscores the critical role of coordination among emergency services, investigators, and local authorities in managing such incidents and safeguarding the community. All parties stressed the importance of factual reporting and careful analysis through the investigative process as new evidence is uncovered and evaluated. Attribution: Interagency statements from the Emergency Ministry and the Investigative Committee.”