At least three people were killed in a violent explosion that occurred in the town of Sertolovo in the Leningrad Oblast. The explosion led to the partial collapse of a multi-story building housing the military police command. A large-scale rescue operation is underway at the site, and Russian authorities under the supervision of the military prosecutor's office are investigating the causes of the incident. According to unofficial information, the facility may have been used to train volunteers before their deployment to the front.

Three Fatal Victims

Rescuers found the bodies of three people under the rubble of the collapsed military police command in the town of Sertolovo.

Explosion as the Cause of the Disaster

Witnesses report a powerful explosion and the smell of gunpowder immediately before several floors of the military facility collapsed.

Military Investigation

The military prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into negligence and violations of fire safety requirements at the unit.

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, around 14:25 local time, a tragic incident occurred on the premises of a military unit in the town of Sertolovo, located north of St. Petersburg. A powerful explosion caused several floors of a building occupied by the military police to collapse. The governor of Leningrad Oblast, Aleksandr Drozdenko, confirmed that the bodies of three victims were recovered from the rubble. The number of injured and potentially trapped individuals under the debris remains undetermined, although local media suggest the death toll may rise. Witnesses reported on social media that the blast was exceptionally loud, and a distinct smell of gunpowder was noticeable in the area. Units from the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the military prosecutor's office immediately arrived at the scene. The investigation currently focuses on two main lines: violations of fire safety regulations and gross negligence. Some independent news channels report that the building served as a training center for volunteers involved in military operations. For decades, Sertolovo has served as a strategic military hub for the St. Petersburg region, hosting numerous training centers and armored-mechanized bases dating back to Soviet times. Although official statements point to technical causes, speculation about the condition of military infrastructure is emerging in the Russian media space. Governor Drozdenko ordered civil services to provide all possible support to the military in clearing the debris. The situation remains developing, and access to the unit's territory has been completely blocked by a security cordon. The explosion near St. Petersburg is another in a series of incidents at Russian military facilities, raising questions about the resilience of the logistical system and oversight standards amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. „I have ordered security services to provide support to the military in clearing the rubble and rescuing victims after the collapse of the military police building.” — Aleksandr Drozdenko Reports focus on potential sabotage or gross incompetence in managing military infrastructure during the conflict. | Media emphasize an unfortunate accident and the immediate, efficient response of rescue services under the supervision of authorities.

Mentioned People

  • Aleksandr Drozdenko — Governor of Leningrad Oblast, who confirmed information about the disaster and the victims.