A Russian warplane on Tuesday made an "emergency release" of its explosive payload over a village in western Russia's Voronezh region, military and civilian authorities said.
"At around 9:00 a.m. on January 2, while an Air Force plane was flying over the village of Petropavlovka in the Voronezh Region, there was an emergency release of aviation munitions," Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement.
It added that no one was killed or injured in the resulting explosion caused by the release, but said at least six privately owned buildings had been damaged.
"An investigation is underway into the circumstances of the incident. A commission is working on-site to assess the nature of the damage and assist in the restoration of buildings," the Defense Ministry's statement continued.
Videos and photos posted on social media showed the explosion's aftermath, with a large crater having been formed in the village, multiple buildings destroyed and debris strewn throughout the area.
Voronezh region Governor Aleksander Gusev said some residents of Petropavlovka were being moved to temporary housing facilities.
"I tasked my colleagues in the Voronezh region government to swiftly address issues concerning compensation payments and the construction of new housing. Our commitment is to ensure no one is overlooked," Gusev wrote on the messaging app Telegram.
The explosion in Petropavlovka comes as Russia on Tuesday launched missile attacks against Ukrainian cities, killing at least four people and injuring dozens more.
Petropavlovka lies some 150 kilometers east of Russia's border with Ukraine.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
