Russia factory explosion 'injures at least 79 people'

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At least 79 people were injured and 15 people hospitalised after a blast at a Russian explosives manufacturing plant, according to a statement from the Russian health ministry.

The blast took place at the Kristall plant on Saturday in Dzerzhinsk, about 400 kilometres east of Moscow. The town has more than 240,000 residents.

The health ministry said 38 plant workers and 41 city residents asked for medical assistance. None of them were children.


One person suffered severe injuries and 14 suffered injuries of "moderate" severity, the health ministry said.

Russian press agency Interfax reported that the plant's general director was suspended the day before the fire for safety violations. The plant produces TNT and a fire started after several explosions, according to Russian news agencies.