Moscow - Interfax news agency has reported a tragic incident in Makhachkala, Russia, where a massive explosion late at night claimed the lives of at least 27 individuals and left over 60 others injured.

According to official statements, the explosion originated across from a gas station. The sequence of events unfolded as a fire ignited at an auto repair shop situated on the roadside of a highway in the capital of Dagestan, eventually spreading to an adjacent gas station.

Deputy Head of the Russian Health Ministry, Viktor Fisenko, conveyed to journalists that among the 66 casualties resulting from the explosion, ten were in a critical condition. He stated, "Currently, there are 66 injured individuals receiving medical care in Makhachkala, with ten of them classified as being in critical condition."

The situation has prompted a swift response, with 28 ambulance teams on the scene, actively providing medical assistance. The fire, which affected an estimated area of 600 square meters, has been successfully contained.

Sergey Melikov, the Head of Dagestan, revealed that the explosion occurred in proximity to the gas station and involved the detonation of two out of eight fuel tanks. Melikov noted, "Over 70 personnel and 20 pieces of equipment have been engaged in firefighting efforts."

Though no indications of Ukraine's involvement were reported, the regional branch of the Russian Investigative Committee initiated a criminal case. The case has been brought forth under Article 238 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to the provision of services lacking proper safety measures for the well-being of consumers, resulting in the negligence-induced deaths of two or more individuals.