A massive fire has erupted in Pushkino, Moscow region, consuming a warehouse storing gas cylinders and pallets, with the blaze now covering an area of 21,000 square meters. The Ministry of Emergency Situations reports that the fire has spread to a neighboring building.

Firefighters are battling the expansive blaze, with over 50 personnel and 12 pieces of equipment deployed to the scene. A specialized laboratory is also on-site, conducting air quality tests for hazardous substances.

Eyewitnesses have reported hearing explosions emanating from the warehouse. A thick plume of smoke is visible from a considerable distance, even beyond the boundaries of Pushkino.

The Prosecutor’s Office of the Moscow Region has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Law enforcement officials will conduct a thorough inspection of the site and initiate a fire and technical examination once the Ministry of Emergency Situations concludes its firefighting operations. The Prosecutor’s Office has officially begun its inspection.