Camilla Jessen
A massive fire and chain of detonations have rocked a Russian ammunition depot.
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A series of powerful explosions erupted at a major Russian military depot in the Kirzhach district of the Vladimir region on April 22, with detonations still ongoing hours later, according to Governor Alexander Avdeev.
The blast occurred at the 51st ammunition depot of the Russian Ministry of Defense’s Main Rocket and Artillery Directorate — officially known as military unit 11785.
According to United24 Media, the facility is believed to contain more than 100,000 tons of munitions, including artillery shells, rockets for multiple launch systems, air defense components, and tactical missiles like the Tochka-U.
By 10 p.m. Moscow time, secondary explosions were still being reported, and local authorities confirmed that stored ammunition continued to detonate.
The impact of the blasts has not been limited to the depot itself. Residents near the site have reported that rockets and other munitions are being hurled into surrounding areas by the ongoing detonations, raising fears of further damage and injury.
A nearby forest has also caught fire, likely ignited by the heat and force of the explosions. The growing blaze has prompted additional concern for both environmental safety and potential spread to residential areas.
NASA’s satellite-based fire monitoring system has confirmed the fire’s presence, showing active heat signatures in the region. Satellite images captured the intense thermal activity, though a full assessment of the damage will have to wait until clearer imagery becomes available
Strategic Stockpile Lost
The 51st depot houses some of Russia’s most critical munitions. The sheer volume of explosives stored there suggests that this is not just a logistical setback but a potentially strategic blow to the Russian military’s operational capabilities.
While the cause of the initial explosion remains unclear, the scale of the ongoing detonations raises serious questions about storage safety, fire control protocols, and emergency response readiness.
In a related development, Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian “Forpost” drone — a high-altitude reconnaissance and strike UAV based on Israeli design.
The drone, worth an estimated $7 million, was flying at 4 kilometers (13,000 feet) when it was intercepted.