Black smoke blankets Volga as crane burns at ship repair site

A floating crane is on fire in Russia’s Volga River area, on the premises of the Borsk Ship Repair Company.

According to the Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations for Nizhny Novgorod Region, fuel is burning over an area of 100 square meters, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

There is a risk that the fire could spread to a nearby floating crane. Fifteen units of equipment and 48 rescuers have been deployed to extinguish the blaze.

Authorities are investigating the cause and details of the incident. The Nizhny Novgorod Transport Prosecutor’s Office has launched an inquiry to determine whether fire safety regulations were observed.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang before the fire broke out, followed by thick black smoke rising over the river. They suggested the blaze may be linked to flammable materials on the barge.

The smoke column was visible from multiple districts of the city, including the Meshchersky area, and residents reported a strong smell of burning. Information on the cause of the fire and any potential casualties is still being clarified.

By Jeyhun Aghazada