Explosion at petrochemical plant

An explosion and fire at a petrochemical plant in Russia’s republic of Tatarstan killed at least three workers and injured dozens more. The blast occurred at Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Russia’s largest producer of synthetic rubber and plastics, located in the industrial city of Nizhnekamsk. Sibur, the petrochemical company that owns the plant, said the explosion was likely caused by an “equipment malfunction.” It said injured workers were receiving medical care and that the facility had been evacuated. Russian media reported that residents smelled a chemical odor in the air after the incident, though Sibur said monitoring showed no threat to public safety or the environment.