Rescuers search for survivors after Russian gunpowder plant blast

Rescuers are searching for survivors after an explosion at the Elastik gunpowder factory in the Shilovsky district of Russia’s Ryazan region on Friday.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed 20 deaths and 134 injuries. Officials said 130 victims have received medical care, with 29 hospitalized — 13 in Ryazan and 16 transferred to federal medical centers in Moscow. A state of emergency has been declared, and access to the site is restricted. Authorities have opened a probe into possible industrial safety violations as efforts continue to contain the aftermath of the blast.