Residents in St. Petersburg reported hearing a sound like a heavy thud, similar to the impact of cotton, echoing across multiple parts of the city. The incident is described in local coverage as originating from a phenomenon the publication refers to as Fontanka.
The reports indicate the noise occurred on the morning of January 31, with witnesses in the Pyatiletok Boulevard, Tavricheskaya Street, and Moskovsky Station districts noting the unusual sound.
One resident described a powerful blast around 4:45 to 4:47, noting that walls and windows trembled in Krasnogvardeisky, Nevsky, and the Central districts. The account is echoed by other locals who heard the event and felt its impact.
Video evidence from the city’s public safety cameras captured echoes of the incident, while some vehicle alarms also activated in the aftermath. These indicators supported local observers in confirming that something extraordinary had occurred in the early hours after dawn. (Source: Fontanka)
In related regional developments, officials in Rostov region issued warnings about loud noises that could occur during the day. In the Neklinovsky area, authorities reported that steps were being taken to locate and neutralize discovered ammunition, which may explain the broader noise patterns observed along the Taganrog Bay area. (Source: Regional authorities)
Separately, a statement from Ukraine’s armed forces commander has been cited, noting that the Russian Federation appears to maintain an advantage in the use of FPV drones. This context is mentioned to describe the broader regional dynamics that sometimes coincide with unusual disturbances and security considerations across adjacent jurisdictions. (Source: Ukrainian defense briefing)