A major explosion killed three people at a gunpowder factory working 24/7 to make rocket launchers and air defense systems for the war in Ukraine.
Perm Gunpowder Plant, which produces Grad and Smerch weaponry for Russian troops, reportedly went up in flames.
Video footage showed a plume of smoke rising in the distance, with some witnesses claiming to have seen the explosion at the time of the attack.
Two of those who were killed were allegedly burned alive while more are feared dead and could be buried under the rubble.
The building also makes engine charges for aircraft missiles, booster systems for cruise missiles and products for the A-135 missile defense system.
Reports suggested there was an explosion and fire on Saturday around 8pm in the large plant sector 12.
The explosion comes amid suspicion of sabotage linked to a series of explosions fires at key Russian sites during the war.
The Russian Investigative Committee – seen as similar to the FBI in Russia – is conducting a probe into the Saturday blast, say reports.
Last month the Perm munitions plant announced it had recruited 350 extra staff to boost Putin’s war effort.
The extra manpower was to allow the plant to work three shifts during a 24-hour period to provide munitions for the Ukraine war.
It follows reports that Russia has been short of missiles with which to target Ukraine.
