Explosion and fire occur at Russia’s largest oil refinery in Omsk
It still remains unclear if Ukraine was involved in the explosion at Russia's biggest oil refinery, located over 2,000 km (1242 miles) from the Ukrainian border, but this incident comes amidst increased Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.
A powerful explosion followed by a fire occurred at the Gazpromneft-ONPZ oil refinery in Omsk, Russia on 26 August, according to Russian news media channels.
While it is unclear whether Ukraine is connected to the explosion, it comes at a time when Ukraine increased drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, significantly disrupting fuel supplies crucial for the Russian military while simultaneously decreasing the Kremlin’s export revenues.
The incident, which was heard across various parts of the city, resulted in injuries and significant damage to the facility, according to the news media Radio Liberty Russia.
Local authorities reported that two employees were injured in the explosion, with Russian Telegram channel Baza providing details on their conditions. “One had a limb torn off, the second was diagnosed with a closed head injury and concussion.”
The fire reportedly engulfed the AVT-11 unit, a crucial component of the refinery designed for separating oil into fractions for further processing. The fire spread to an area of approximately 1,000 square meters, according to Baza.
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone hit another Russian oil refinery
The centerpiece of the facility – the cracking tower – was reportedly hit in Omsk.
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