A massive mushroom cloud erupted near Moscow following a suspected drone strike targeting a facility that produces missile components.

The explosion occurred at the Zagorski plant, located near the capital city. The force of the blast shattered windows in nearby apartments and sent flames and smoke soaring into the sky over Russia.

Astonishing images depict the towering column of smoke and fire that resulted from the enormous detonation at the Sergiyev Posad plant.

Eyewitnesses recounted experiencing a combination of a piercing sound, a bright flash, and a deafening roar as the explosion shook the factory situated in the Moscow region, the Daily Sun has reported.

Initial reports suggesting that the explosion was caused by a drone attack were subsequently refuted by Russian authorities.

Nonetheless, individuals in the vicinity reported observing an unidentified object approaching the facility.

Contrarily, local officials attributed the explosion to an industrial mishap within the plant.

Approximately 49 individuals are said to have sustained injuries, with onlookers describing the plant—known for manufacturing optics used in missiles, aircraft, night vision apparatus, and rifle scopes—as being severely damaged.

As reported by Mash media, six individuals are in critical condition.