Massive Blast and Fire in Russia’s Dagestan Region Leaves Dozens Dead, Scores Injured

At least 35 people are killed by a massive explosion and subsequent fire in the capital city of Russia’s Dagestan region. While there has been no suggestion by Moscow of Ukrainian involvement, the incident comes amid a spate of drone attacks on targets in Moscow, Crimea, Kursk, and Belgorod. 

The firefighters work to extinguish a fire at a petrol station on a road near Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, Russia, on Aug. 14, 2023. Ministry of Emergency Situations press service via AP

Dozens of people were killed on Aug. 14 by an explosion and subsequent fire in the city of Makhachkala in Russia’s southern Dagestan region, according to Russian authorities. 

“Five more bodies were found while debris was being removed, bringing the total death toll to 35,” Russia’s Emergencies Ministry said in an Aug. 15 statement.