A factory worker in the Sverdlovsk region suffered severe burns after a surge occurred in a copper crucible at the plant on June 1. Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the incident.

The worker sustained burns covering 30% of his body and is currently receiving medical treatment.

According to reports, the surge happened as metal was being poured into the crucible when the casting machine was started. Video footage shows a flash of metal and spillage in the workshop, followed by the worker emerging engulfed in flames. He was seen running from the immediate area and attempting to remove his burning clothes as colleagues rushed to assist him.

The Sverdlovsk Investigative Committee has confirmed the incident and initiated a criminal case under Part 1 of Article 143 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which addresses violations of labor protection requirements. Investigators are currently working to determine the exact circumstances, causes, and conditions that led to the accident.

Similar incidents have occurred in the region previously, including an event late last year where two employees were burned during a tank degreasing process in Berezovsky. Another recent event involved an explosion at a factory in Nizhny Tagil where one worker died, and two were injured.