In the city of Novocherkassk, Rostov Region, a fire broke out on the territory of a thermal power plant (GRES). It is reported by RIA Novosti with reference to the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
According to emergency services, the fire started due to an explosion and spread over an area of 200 square meters. The head of the regional department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Sergei Filippov, assured that «external influence is excluded» and the explosion occurred due to «the release of an air-gas mixture» during repairs.
According to the local newspaper 161.ru, three people were injured. The operation of the power plant was suspended, and in Rostov, power outages began throughout the city due to the explosion. Representatives of Donenergo promised to restore the network in «an hour or two».
Updated at 16:29. Added data on the causes of the explosion and blackouts in Rostov.