Ukrainian drone strike ignites massive fire at Russian oil depot
"Let's get out of here!" shouts one of the firefighters, capturing the moment of the explosion at the oil depot in Proletarsk, in the Rostov region of Russia. During the night from Saturday to Sunday, a Ukrainian drone struck the tanks, igniting a massive fire that remains out of control. The authorities have declared a state of emergency.
"No way (expletive). Let's get out of here (expletive). The boys will burn. This is (expletive). Let's get out of here (expletive). Let's run," you can hear in the recording published by one of the firefighters battling the blaze at the oil depot in Proletarsk, in the Rostov region of Russia.
Attack on the oil depot in Proletarsk
During the night from Saturday to Sunday, Ukrainian drones struck the fuel tanks, causing a massive fire. The situation remains uncontrolled, with authorities reporting "repeated" explosions.
"The firefighting efforts at the industrial warehouse in Proletarsk continue. All necessary forces and resources have been deployed. Emergency services are on the scene around the clock," informed Vasily Golubev of the Rostov region, adding that three firefighting trains were involved in the operation.
The authorities emphasised that there is no danger of the fire spreading to residential buildings and neighbouring properties. They urged residents "not to panic," assuring them that "the situation is under control."
Meanwhile, residents are posting numerous recordings and photos online, showing the raging blaze.
"Again. Oh my God. When will this all end?" says a resident of Proletarsk.
The smoke is visible from space. Eleven tanks have already burned down
According to the Russian Aviation and Space Monitoring Research Institute, the smoke rising from the burning oil depot in Proletarsk is visible from space. The communiqué states there were two explosions on the premises of the depot about 7 miles apart and suggests the fire may have two separate sources within the depot.
According to the Baza channel, eleven fuel tanks have burned down so far.
State of emergency after the Ukrainian attack
As of 14:00 GMT, 41 firefighters have been injured during the operation. The condition of five is serious. A state of emergency has been declared in Proletarsk.
Since the start of the year, Ukraine has been targeting Russian fuel and energy complex facilities. Almost all the largest oil refineries in the central part of the country have been attacked, leading to a sharp decline in petrol production. Consequently, the Russian authorities have decided to classify operational statistics on fuel production.
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