Gas tanker explosion sparks criminal probe in KhMAO

An investigation has been launched into a fuel truck fire and powerful explosion at a gas station in Solnechny village, Surgut District, KhMAO. The press services of the Prosecutor«s Office of Surgut District and the Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of Russia for KhMAO (SK Russia) reported this.

«The Prosecutor«s Office of Surgut District has organized a probe into the incident at the gas station. During the probe, an assessment will be made of compliance with fire safety legislation, the causes of the incident will be determined, and the degree of responsibility of those responsible will be established,» the agency said.

The office added that a MAZ truck caught fire at the gas station. Two people were injured in the incident. They were hospitalized.

«If grounds are established, prosecutorial response measures will be taken. The progress and results of the procedural check have been placed under the supervision of the prosecutor«s office,» the press service noted.

The Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of Russia for KhMAO stated that a investigative team has been dispatched to the fire site. All circumstances and causes are still being determined.

«A procedural check is being conducted into the incident on grounds of crimes under Article 238 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (performance of work or provision of services that do not meet safety requirements) and Article 143 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (violation of labor protection requirements). The issue of initiating a criminal case is being decided,» law enforcement officials commented.

Recall that the fire at the gas station occurred today, 5 February, at noon. We published eyewitness video that captured the moment of the explosion. Details of the incident were disclosed by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for KhMAO.