Updated with further information.
Authorities reported that an explosion followed by a fire injured at least 20 individuals on Thursday at a police training facility in the northern Russian republic of Komi.
The incident occurred during the day at the Professional Training Center of the regional Interior Ministry, located in the capital city of Syktyvkar.
According to the regional branch of the Investigative Committee, the explosion was triggered when an instructor set off a dummy grenade during a training session, igniting combustible materials within the building and leading to a fire.
Local officials indicated that 20 people were hospitalized, with four in critical condition. One person opted for on-site treatment instead of being taken to the hospital.
Emergency services reported that approximately 200 individuals were evacuated from the structure.
Russian media indicated that the explosion originated in the assembly hall of the building, which was under renovation at the time.
The Mash news outlet, allegedly connected to Russian security services, reported that a gas cylinder exploded following the initial blast, igniting scaffolding outside the premises.
The fire was contained to about 340 square meters, as stated by the regional emergency ministry.
The Komi Interior Ministry announced it has initiated an internal investigation into what it referred to as a “roof fire.”
This event unfolded during a training session, and all those hurt were cadets at the facility, according to the ministry.
The Investigative Committee plans to pursue pre-trial detention for the instructor on charges of abuse of authority resulting in serious consequences, an offense defined under Russia’s Criminal Code.
Additionally, a separate criminal case has been initiated on grounds of negligence.
The Interior Ministry confirmed that the head of the training center, who had assumed his role in the summer of 2025, has been suspended while the investigation is ongoing.
Footage shared by Russian media depicted personnel in work attire assisting injured individuals through smoke-filled windows along scaffolding.
The center is tasked with training new junior officers and offering advanced skill development for current staff at the regional Interior Ministry.
Last year, local television broadcasted the oath-taking ceremony for 57 trainees at the center, including newly appointed traffic police officers, criminal investigators, detectives, and district officers.
Read this article in Russian at The Moscow Times’ Russian service.
