Massive explosion & huge 170ft inferno rips through Russian factory after ‘shelling attack’ by Ukraine
A MASSIVE explosion has triggered a huge 170ft fire at a Russian factory amid reports of shelling by Ukraine.
Pictures show enormous orange plumes of flame after an oil depot reportedly exploded in the early hours.
Russian media reported a “major attack” and blamed “shelling” from across the border in Ukraine.
The explosion happened in Belgorod region, which is very close to wartorn Kharkiv.
Vladimir Putin will be fuming as the factory that exploded was used to make parts for his beloved bridge to Crimea.
The massive £3.2billion bridge is prized by the Kremlin as it stretches to the annexed region from mainland Russia.
It was attacked earlier in the year and left partially collapsed after a huge bomb blast.
Video showed a spectacular blaze at the facility today in Belgorod.
Reports said flames reached up some 170ft.
Russian accounts said there had been a shelling attack while witnesses claimed they heard gunfire.
It is understood an oil depot at or near the plant exploded with fire damage spreading to the Borisovsky Bridge Metal Structures Plant.
“At night, a civilian industrial facility in Borisovka was attacked by the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” said regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
He said “no one was injured, the company’s employees were evacuated in time.
“Now everything is being done to ensure that the damage is minimal.”
A report from Telegram channel Horizontal Russia said: “A large fire started at the plant due to shelling in the Belgorod region.
“The shells hit the territory of an industrial plant in the Borisovsky district.”
Windows in the vicinity smashed by the force of the blast.
Belgorod has reported dozens of attacks from Ukraine after Putin launched his illegal invasion.
Other reports said there had been a shift at work in the plant when the attack came, adding there was no word about victims.
The same site had been attacked in May last year, according to accounts.
Russia has been blighted with a string of mysterious fires and explosions since the start the war.
And in the border regions, Ukraine has occasionally launched strikes or daring raids to hit back at the Putin.
It comes as its feared Russia is fearing up for a major assault in the coming weeks with up to 500,000 soldiers.
Putin will be seeking to save face and launch an attack to coincide with the anniversary of his invasion, February 24.
