A Massive Explosion Turns Night Into Day In Russia

Posted • September 18, 2024: A partial evacuation has been ordered in Russia's Tver region after a "massive" Ukrainian drone attack sparked an explosion and a fire there, the local governor has said. Igor Rudenya said emergencies services in the town of Toropets were trying to "localise" the blaze caused by falling drone wreckage. He did not say whether there were any casualties. Meanwhile, unverified footage has emerged purportedly showing a massive blast in the town, amid unconfirmed reports that a weapons depot was hit overnight. Toropets lies about 380km (236 miles) north-west of Russia's capital Moscow, and some 470km north of the border with Ukraine. On Wednesday morning, Toropets authorities said buses had already been prepared for the evacuation. They also claimed that the situation was "under control" in the town of about 13,000 residents. The authorities did not say how many people were being evacuated.