Explosions and evacuation in Russia’s Toropovets after a drone strikes an ammo depot

Source: Astra

Drones attacked a Russian ammunition depot in Toropovets, Tver region, in early hours on Thursday with locals reporting multiple explosions in the area following the detonation of munitions. As flames engulfed the depot, local authorities though tried to play down the claims saying that it was caused by drones’ debris after they were shot down by Russian air defenses.

Videos emerging on social media show loud blasts and a massive fire lighting up the night sky. With the fire spreading,  local authorities announced the evacuation of civilians from the impacted area to the town of Zapadnaya Dvina. Locals complain the evacuation effort is a mess as many elderly residents are struggling to reach assembly points.

Cut off by the fire, residents of Tsikaryevo have gathered near a local lake, waiting for evacuation. However, there are not enough boats to safely evacuate everyone. This village lies right across from the depots of a military unit.

The explosions allegedly caused massive damage, shattering windows in local businesses and the emergency medical center due as blasts continue.

According to reports,  the depot had stockpiles of 122mm Grad rocket artillery shells and 82mm artillery mines. It was also believed to house a range of missiles like well as S-300 and S-400 missiles, Iskander ballistic missiles, and even North Korean KN23 missiles.