According to a source, sixteen persons were killed in an explosion and fire at a gunpowder and chemicals company in Russia's western Ryazan province on Friday.

According to the ministry of emergency, the catastrophe claimed the lives of 12 people, with four persons still missing. According to a source quoted by TASS, the accident was caused by the facility's failure to follow proper technical procedures.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the explosion occurred at the Elastik factory in the Ryazan district, roughly 270 kilometers (167 miles) southeast of Moscow.

According to Russian press reports, all of the people who have gone missing are presumed dead. According to local officials, one individual was taken to the hospital with critical injuries.

The fire included 170 rescue responders and 50 vehicles, according to the ministry.

Officials are investigating various causes, such as violations of safety regulations or a short circuit.