According to Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) the fire at the fireworks store in Orel city was caused by an explosion, and was extinguished at 16:05 (GMT+3).
The explosion claimed the lives of two employees while 19 residents were injured, including three children, aged from 6 to 12. Two children suffered burns, while the third received psychological trauma.
It still remains unclear what set off the explosion. The investigative Committee of the Russian Federation in the Orel region has already launched an investigation into the case. It is known though, that the storekeeper had recently won a tender to organize the city fireworks for the 70th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
