At least eight people died in a huge fire in a building near Moscow, reports state news agency Tass.
Emergency services officials told Tass that only one person was rescued from the blaze at the burning building in Friazino, about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) northeast of the capital.
One of Russia’s top defense electronics producers and research centers, NII Platan near Moscow, is on fire, with employees trapped inside. According to Platan’s archived website, its components are used in all Russian fighter jets, nuclear-launched munitions, S-400 air defenses and… pic.twitter.com/NXjAgekj7B
– Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) June 24, 2024
Two people died after jumping from a window, while six died when the interior of the office collapsed in the fire, a local emergency services official told Tass.
Online images show thick smoke billowing from the upper floors of the eight-story complex.
As your post states BBCThere are conflicting reports about the building’s purpose.
According to Tass, it once housed the Platan research institute and the defense industry.
Rescue teams are being treated
Regional governor Andrei Vorobyov said a 34-year-old man was taken to hospital in serious condition, while two firefighters were also being treated for injuries sustained in the fire.
Local emergency services said the man was the only person rescued from the fire.
Emergencies Ministry officials said more than 100 experts and two helicopters were working to fight the fire.
It was not immediately clear what caused the fire, but a witness told Tass that it broke out on the sixth floor before spreading.