A fire broke out at the local oil refinery owned by Lukoil in Ukhta, Komi Republic, Russia. Witnesses reported hearing explosions before the fire, resulting in the deaths of two people, according to the Telegram channels Baza and 112.
"The fire at the refinery began on the afternoon of June 2. According to witnesses, several explosions were heard near the oil refinery before the fire started. Soon after, a column of smoke was seen in the area," reports Baza.
The Telegram channel clarified that two people died in the incident.
"Another victim was taken to the hospital. All the injured have multiple traumas. Preliminary reports indicate that the men were working on one of the tanks," the statement said.
The authors added that the fire broke out inside the RVS-10000 tank, which is now being cooled, and firefighters are preparing for a "foam attack." The tank's roof is partially destroyed. It is also claimed that the possibility of a drone attack is not being considered.
According to Telegram channel 112, this refinery is part of the Russian Lukoil corporation in Komi.
About the refinery
LUKOIL-Ukhtaneftepererabotka (Ukhta Oil Refinery) is a large oil processing enterprise located in the Northwestern Federal District of Russia, in the Komi Republic. It is positioned as the oldest oil refinery in Russia, founded in 1933 according to open sources. It is a 100% subsidiary of PJSC LUKOIL, which has been part of the company since 1999.
It is worth noting that in 2020, a fire occurred at the facility's additive unit, injuring one worker. Over 100 people were involved in extinguishing the fire at that time.
Not the first incident
It should be noted that fires at Russian refineries are not uncommon. Recently, in mid-May, a fire broke out at the local refinery in the Russian city of Tuapse (Krasnodar region) due to a drone attack.
The Russian refinery in the city of Slavyansk-on-Kuban suspended operations on May 19 following an attack the previous day.