A significant explosion occurred on Tuesday afternoon at a military personnel building in Sertolovo, located in the Leningrad region of Russia, approximately an hour’s drive from St. Petersburg. Reports indicate that the explosion led to the deaths of a major and two contract soldiers, with considerable damage inflicted upon the upper floors of the building. Eyewitness accounts from local media noted a powerful blast accompanied by the smell of gunpowder.

In response to the incident, investigative bodies, including the Russian Investigative Committee (Sledkom), have initiated a criminal investigation focusing on violations of fire safety regulations and negligence. The investigation suggests that structural safety protocols may have been breached, elevating concerns about the potential for further incidents in military installations.

Despite the severity of the explosion, it is reported that no specific terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and as of Wednesday morning, no specialized groups or services had stepped forward to take responsibility for the incident. The situation remains under close watch as authorities continue their investigative and safety measures to prevent future occurrences.