Powder Point: what threatens those responsible for the fire at the pyrotechnic plant near Yaroslavl

The perpetrators of the tragedy at the pyrotechnic plant near Yaroslavl can be sentenced to up to seven years in prison, experts interviewed by "Izvestia" believe. As a result of the incident at the enterprise, according to the data at the time of publication, 14 people were killed, one more is listed as injured. A criminal case on violation of industrial safety requirements has already been opened on the fact of the emergency. The regional authorities expressed their condolences to the relatives of the victims and promised to provide them with all necessary support. About what is known about what happened at the Kubrinsk plant — in the "Izvestia" material.

What happened

A fire in a pyrotechnic production shop in the village of Kubrinsk, Pereslavl Municipal District, Yaroslavl Region, occurred on September 28, the regional Investigative Committee reported. At the time of publication, 14 people were killed and another was injured, the press service of the head of the region said.

"There were employees in the warehouse during the fire. The exact number of dead and injured is being established," the Investigative Committee said. — A group of investigators and criminologists from the regional department has begun to inspect the scene, and a complex of examinations has been appointed. Investigative actions are being carried out to clarify the circumstances of the incident."

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, after the arrival of fire and rescue units, it turned out that the fire had already engulfed two buildings. More than 100 people and 40 pieces of equipment were involved in extinguishing the fire. The fire was contained.

Investigators have opened a criminal case under the article on violation of industrial safety requirements of hazardous production facilities, which negligently resulted in the death of two or more people.

As eyewitnesses told "Izvestia", the blast wave knocked out windows and doors in nearby houses.

— The flowers were falling out of the pots. I called my wife right away. Three interior doors and two windows that faced this area were knocked out in my apartment," he said.

An operational headquarters has been set up on the site, Mikhail Evraev, Governor of the Yaroslavl Region, said on social media.

"40 pieces of equipment and 100 firefighters are currently working at the site. The elimination of the consequences of ignition and detonation of pyrotechnics continues. The causes of the tragedy and the perpetrators are being established," the head of the region wrote.

Mikhail Evraev also expressed his condolences to the relatives of the victims.

"We will provide the families with the necessary support. We will definitely help the victims. I took personal control of the situation. Specialists have been sent to the scene of the emergency to investigate the causes. The perpetrators will be brought to justice," the governor stressed.

As of 22:00, the fire is completely extinguished. Employees of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations continue to sort through the rubble. The injured woman was hospitalized.

An emergency mode was introduced in the Pereslavl-Zalessky district. Due to the fire, most of the village was left without electricity, emergency crews are restoring power supply and bringing generators. Representatives of the regional government, the Investigative Committee, the police and the Ministry of Emergency Situations are working on the site. Temporary accommodation facilities have been set up in Kubrinsk and Nagorye.

What threatens the guilty

The fire occurred at the enterprise owned by "Salyut Yug" LLC. The company is registered in the city of Mineralnye Vody, Stavropol Territory. The director and sole owner of the company is Alexey Pronin. The organization is engaged in the wholesale of industrial chemicals. In 2025, the company earned 43.1 million rubles. Net profit — 3.5 million

According to the "Rusprofile" service, from 2022 to 2024, the company was prosecuted four times for illegal employment of foreign citizens or persons without Russian citizenship. Twice, a decision was issued to terminate the proceedings in the case of an administrative offense. The legal entity was punished two more times.

In addition, an unscheduled inspection took place at the enterprise two years ago. Then the plant was cautioned due to violations in the operation and operation of electrical equipment.

""This information must be taken into account when carrying out the activities of Salyut Yug LLC,"" the inspection information says.

There were also six cases in the courts of general jurisdiction, in four of which the company acted as a defendant in claims for damages.

According to the article on violation of industrial safety requirements of hazardous production facilities, which negligently resulted in the death of two or more persons, the perpetrators face up to seven years in prison, said Anton Sonichev, partner of "Sonichev, Kazus and Partners" law Firm.

Criminal defense lawyer Tatiana Pashkevich noted that the investigation may not be limited to just an article on violation of industrial safety rules.

"Depending on the circumstances, other charges may be considered, for example, regarding violations of accounting rules, storage, transportation and use of explosives, flammable substances and pyrotechnic devices," the lawyer noted. — As well as a violation of fire safety requirements, resulting in the death of two or more persons by negligence.

The lawyer believes that, if there are grounds, the investigation can also consider what happened under the article on the performance of work or the provision of services that do not meet the requirements for the safety of life or health of consumers. In this case, the penalty may be up to ten years in prison.

— However, such qualification is possible only if it is established that the works, services or products did not meet the mandatory safety requirements, — explained Tatiana Pashkevich. — The issue of criminal liability will be resolved taking into account the responsibilities of each individual.

First of all, according to her, they usually check the actions of employees responsible for compliance with industrial safety requirements. This may be an occupational health and safety specialist who monitors compliance with safety requirements, or a chief engineer. The CEO may be held accountable if it turns out that he made decisions that affected security, or knew about violations, but did not take action.