Drone strike hits Russia's Tula region, fire breaks out near Azot chemical plant
Photo: locals reported between 5 and 8 explosions over the city (Getty Images)
During the night of June 7–8, explosions were heard in Novomoskovsk, Tula region. Russian sources reported an attack by unidentified UAVs, followed by a fire at a chemical production facility, according to Russian channels.
According to reports, at around 11:35 PM, several channels reported the sound of explosions in Novomoskovsk. According to SHOT, residents heard between five and eight blasts over the city.
"Flashes were seen in the sky over several areas. Preliminary information suggests that air defense systems were activated. At this time, there are no official reports of casualties or damage. Temporary flight restrictions have also been imposed at Kaluga Airport," the report said.
Soon after, eyewitnesses claimed that unidentified drones had struck the Azot chemical plant. A fire broke out at the facility following the attack, and photos of the incident began circulating on social media.
At 03:20 AM, Tula region governor Dmitry Milyayev confirmed that a fire broke out at the Azot chemical plant as a result of a drone strike. However, according to him, the fire has already been extinguished.
"As a result of a UAV crash, a fire occurred at Novomoskovsk’s Azot plant. The blaze has been extinguished. No exceedances of permissible pollution levels have been recorded... Preliminary reports indicate that two people were injured, but their lives are not in danger," he wrote on social media.
Second strike in two weeks
On the morning of May 24, the Azot chemical plant was also targeted by drones, with a fire recorded at the facility.
Before that, the regional governor reported that a facility in the city had been attacked, a natural gas pipeline was damaged, and three people were injured.
"Residents of the village of Hrytsovo, located about 10 kilometers from the Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk, Tula region, were being evacuated," read one report.
That morning, Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, stated that the strike hit a site potentially linked to military production. The plant manufactures several chemical substances that can be used for military purposes, including:
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Ammonium nitrate – a component of explosive materials;
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Methanol – a raw material used in the production of rocket fuel;
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Argon – a gas used in metallurgy for welding and heat treatment of metals, applied in the defense industry.
