Drone strike triggers major fire at Russia's crucial Novolipetsk Steel Plant: no casualties
War in Ukraine. Follow the latest updates in our live coverage
News of the explosions broke just after 1 a.m. GMT on Saturday. The Astra channel reported that a "major fire" had started at the Novolipetsk Steel Plant, one of Russia's premier steel manufacturers.
Lipetsk's governor confirms the incident
Witnesses reported hearing drone noise immediately preceding the explosion.
Videos began circulating online, displaying the moment of detonation.
The Baza channel reported "an active coal warehouse is burning. The coke oven, housing cooling units, was struck. Preliminary reports indicate no injuries".
After 2 a.m. GMT, Lipetsk region governor, Igor Artamonov, confirmed an on-site fire at the plant was swiftly extinguished. He affirmed that there were no casualties and negated any continuing danger from hazardous substances.
The governor confirmed the explosion was triggered by a falling drone.
The Novolipetsk Steel Plant supplies steel, alloys, and materials to Russian defense industries, manufacturing ballistic and manoeuvring missiles. This places it amongst the strategic industry's key players.
The plant is responsible for producing 18 percent of all Russia's steel.
