**Explosions Rock Russian Military Base in Vladimir Oblast, Evacuations Ordered**
A series of explosions have shaken a Russian weapons arsenal in Vladimir Oblast, leaving behind a trail of fire and chaos. The incident occurred on April 22, with the Russian Defense Ministry confirming that a fire broke out at the site due to a violation of safety protocols when working with explosive materials.
According to reports from Ukrainian defense media outlet Militarnyi, the facility in question is Russia’s 51st Arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate – one of Russia’s largest weapons arsenals. Located approximately 530 kilometers (330 miles) from the Ukrainian border, the arsenal has a history of similar incidents.
**Investigation Launched, Evacuations Ordered**
In response to the incident, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has ordered the creation of a special commission to investigate the cause of the explosions and fire. Meanwhile, Russian authorities have ordered evacuations from the settlements of Barsovo and Mirny, located near the affected area.
Residents in nearby villages have reported seeing smoke rising from the site of the blasts, with roads leading to the town of Kirzhach from Moscow being closed as a precautionary measure. Vladimir Oblast Governor Alexander Avdeev has warned journalists and residents against spreading information about the incident before “verified official data” is released, threatening fines for violations.
**A History of Incidents**
This latest explosion is not an isolated incident at the facility. On June 22, 2022, a detonation of ammunition occurred during unloading operations, resulting in the deaths of three servicemen and a civilian specialist, with another person seriously injured.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety protocols in place at Russian military facilities, particularly those handling explosive materials. As investigations continue into the cause of the explosions, it remains to be seen how this latest incident will impact relations between Russia and its neighbors.
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