Donetsk Investigates Chemical Plant Blast, Searches for Shell Parts

The investigation and the search for parts of the shell and the missile that caused a blast at a chemical factory in the city of Donetsk are underway, according to Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) militia deputy head Eduard Basurin.

MOSCOW, (Sputnik) — The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) is investigating a blast at a chemical factory in the city of Donetsk and is searching for parts of an Ukrainian shell it believes to be the reason behind the explosion, DPR militia deputy head Eduard Basurin said Monday.

"The investigation and the search for parts of the shell and the missile are underway. When [the parts] are found, they will be presented for you to see it with your own eyes," Basurin told the press.

On Sunday night, a powerful explosion rocked a chemical plant in western Donetsk, wounding several people. The plant produces explosives and recycles ammunition, according the official website of Ukroboronprom company.

The DPR Defense Ministry said Monday that there was no threat of harmful substance emissions into the atmosphere.

The plant was targeted by shelling in September and November 2014.

Fighting between Kiev forces and independence supporters is ongoing in Ukraine's southeast, despite a truce reached September at a meeting in the Belarusian capital Minsk. Clashes between the two sides intensified at the start of 2015.

Donetsk is one of the hot spots of violence in eastern Ukraine, with civilians dying as a result of Kiev daily shelling.