A fire and explosion occurred at the Zavolzhsky Motor Plant in Russia’s Zavolzhye, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, reportedly injuring one worker, according to Astra and official statements from regional labor authorities.

Truck fire erupts in chemical workshop

The Russian news Telegram channel Astra reported on 3 June that the incident took place at night when a long-haul truck caught fire inside a workshop containing chemical substances.

The local Gostrudinspektsiya – a labor conditions inspection body – confirmed the event and said one worker sustained burns covering 10% of the body, and added that all circumstances and potential causes of the workplace incident are being investigated.

Authorities noted the blaze began on 2 June and are awaiting notifications from both the employer and the medical institution treating the injured worker. 

Plant linked to military engine production

The Zavolzhsky Motor Plant produces gasoline and diesel engines and is located in the city of Zavolzhia. Media reports emphasized that the factory manufactures engines used in military equipment. Astra reiterated that point, stating:

“The plant also produces engines for military vehicles.”

Russian publication Kommersant previously reported in 2003 that the plant had received a state contract to develop a line of competitive multipurpose diesel engines ranging from 2.2 to 3.4 liters in displacement. At the time, the plant’s director claimed the new engines would be reconstructed versions of the ZMZ-514 and suitable for a range of vehicles, including off-road models, class-D vehicles, 4-ton trucks, and military hardware.

Meet First Contact’s Osa: Ukrainian FPV drone used to strike Russian bombers in Spiderweb operation

On 27 May, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 99 Ukrainian drones between 20:00 on 26 May and 07:00 on 27 May. Despite these efforts, several airports in Russia were temporarily closed as a result of the ongoing drone strikes. Local sources confirmed air defense activity, but there were no immediate reports of damage from the attack.

Drone attacks hit Tula and Voronezh oblasts, explosions reported

Drone strikes targeted several Russian regions overnight, including the Tula and Voronezh oblasts. Explosions were reported in the cities of Novomoskovsk and Uzlovaya in Tula, as well as in Borisoglebsk in Voronezh. Also, one drone being shot down was captured on video in Murom.

Local residents described hearing multiple explosions, with flashes visible in the sky. Russian officials from Tula and Voronezh stated that over 20 drones were detected over four municipalities in Voronezh, with debris from one downed drone sparking a forest fire in the east of the oblast. The fire was quickly extinguished, according to regional authorities.

Russian airports close as a result of the drone threat

In response to the drone attack, airports in several Russian regions were temporarily closed for safety. The Russian authorities imposed restrictions on civilian air traffic in airports located in Kaluga, Nizhny Novgorod, Saratov, and Tambov. However, by the morning of 27 May, air traffic in Saratov resumed as the restrictions were lifted.

The Russian aviation agency, Rosaviatsiya, confirmed that safety measures were taken across several airports.