MAKHACHKALA, March 27 (RIA Novosti) - A powerful explosion ripped through an oil depot in Makhachkala, on the Caspian coast, on Thursday injuring at least one employee, local emergencies officials said.
A woman was hospitalized with severe burns and is reported to be in a critical condition.
The blast occurred at 4:10 p.m. local time (13:10 GMT). Eyewitnesses said thick smoke was rising from the depot, located near a dockyard, and spreading all over the city.
A total of 20 fire engines are involved in the operation to put out the blaze.
