Russian authorities said the explosion in Belgorod, a city which lies just across the border from Ukraine, left a massive crater in the city centre.
A Russian warplane accidentally fired a weapon into the city of Belgorod near Ukraine on Thursday, causing an explosion and damaging buildings, said a report by state-owned Tass news agency, citing the defence ministry. The resulting blast formed a crater measuring 20 metres across on one of the city’s main streets, said Belgorod’s regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov. He also announced a state of emergency.
The Russian defence ministry said a Sukhoi Su-34 air force plane “accidentally discharged” aviation ammunition while flying over Belgorod, a city which lies just across the border from Ukraine. Two women were injured in the blast, said Vyacheslav Gladkov.
The defence ministry did not clarify the weapon involved in the incident. According to Tass, Russia said an investigation has been initiated and some buildings were damaged in the blast.