Explosion at oil refinery in Bashkortostan after attack by unknown drones
Illustrative photo: fire at a Russian oil refinery (Getty Images)
An explosion damaged a local petrochemical plant in the city of Sterlitamak, Bashkortostan, after reports of "drone danger" earlier that night, according to Russian media and the regional governor.
On the morning of November 4, an "unmanned aerial threat" alert was issued in Bashkortostan.
Residents of Sterlitamak reported hearing at least two explosions, around 6:20 and 7:00 AM local time.
Videos showing flashes and blasts soon began circulating on social media.
Later, the mayor of the city confirmed that the explosion occurred at the water treatment workshop of Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant JSC, partially collapsing the facility. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the blast is under investigation.
Subsequently, the head of Bashkortostan, Radiy Khabirov, stated that two unidentified drones had attacked the Sterlitamak industrial complex. Both drones were shot down, and their debris fell within the industrial zone near an auxiliary workshop.
There were no casualties, and the plant continues to operate as normal, the official added.
Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant JSC is part of the Russian chemical holding Roshim. According to the company’s website, its products are used in the oil refining, food, medical, and cosmetics industries, as well as in the production of plastics and rubber goods.
Other incidents in Russian regions on November 4
Residents of Russia’s Lipetsk and Nizhny Novgorod regions heard explosions overnight, with local air defenses activated.
Airports in Volgograd, Tambov, Penza, Saratov, and Samara temporarily halted operations.
On the evening of November 3, power outages were reported in several Russian cities. In Frolovo, Volgograd region, a fire broke out at a local substation after a suspected drone strike.
Electricity also went out in several districts of the Kursk region, where Governor Alexander Khinshtein said over 16,000 residents were left without power in areas connected to the Rylsk substation.
