Regional Governor Vladimir Uiba, quoted by the Associated Press, stated that the fire was not caused by a Ukrainian drone attack, like other attacks that destroyed Russian refineries, and investigators opened an investigation on suspicion of negligence.
The Ministry of Emergencies in Komi said that the fire that broke out near the city of Ukhta in the Republic of Komi (northwest) resulted in at least three people being injured.
Regional investigators said the fire also caused deaths, but they did not specify how many, nor did they say whether the fire had already been extinguished.
The Investigation Department wrote on the Telegram application: “Today, a fire broke out in an oil refinery in the city of Ukhta, during technical work scheduled by an employee, which led to deaths and injuries.”
Investigators opened a criminal case to investigate possible negligence at the oil refinery.
In recent months, Russian refineries and oil terminals have become priority targets for Ukrainian drone attacks, as part of an intensification of attacks on Russian territory.
The local authorities did not specify the company to which the refinery belongs, but the pictures published by the local Ministry of Emergencies show the logo of the giant oil company Lukoil.
