Explosion at munitions factory in Serbia kills at least 2
Police and media reports in Serbia say that a series of explosions have ripped through a munitions factory on the outskirts of Belgrade
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A series of explosions ripped through an munitions factory on the outskirts of Serbia's capital Tuesday, killing at least two workers and injuring at least 16, police and media reported.
Police said the first explosion took place around 2 p.m. at a warehouse where rockets were stored in the factory, which produces several sorts of munitions. The explosion also could be heard in the capital, Belgrade
Police said said rescuers were using drones to look for potentially more victims. Firefighters rescued five people from the rubble, they said.
State RTS television said some 40 people were inside the warehouse when the explosion took place. The injured workers have been transferred to hospitals in Belgrade with severe burns while more people remain unaccounted for.
The warehouse was completely destroyed, leaving a crater in the ground, footage from the scene showed.
The fire has been localized and residents in the area are safe, police said. Media have reported that the detonation shattered windows on homes nearby.
Dozens of firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene, which is 15 kilometers (nine miles) south of Belgrade. Police and firefighters have sealed off the area where a thick billowing smoke could be seen. Several cars at the plant’s parking lot were on fire.
The factory was the scene of another explosion in 2008 when three workers were injured.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.