Explosions rocked Engels due to a drone attack, followed by a significant fire. Here’s what we know about the incident.

In the vicinity of the city of Engels in the Saratov region (Russia), a series of explosions occurred on the night of January 8 against the backdrop of an aerial attack involving drones. Following this, a significant fire broke out, likely at a fuel depot.

This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine, citing the governor of the Saratov region Roman Busargin and various Russian Telegram channels.

According to a representative of the regional authorities, there was a drone threat to the area. The region has initiated operations involving air defense forces and resources.

Later, the Saratov governor claimed that several drones had allegedly been "shot down."

"Debris has struck an industrial facility in Engels. Firefighters and emergency services are currently on-site," the Russian official stated in a social media publication.

Meanwhile, the Telegram channel Shot reported between 5 to 12 "strong explosions" that were audible to residents of Engels. However, a subsequent clarification from the channel indicated that there were approximately 40 explosions.

Additionally, Russian media have reported on the glow from the fire.

The Telegram channel Mash released a video showing the moment a drone flew towards Engels. According to them, a fire "started in the vicinity of the fuel depot" due to the debris.

The Exilenova+ channel also reported on the burning oil facility in Engels, sharing footage from the city. Furthermore, several photos and videos of this nighttime "bang" have circulated online.

Moreover, the Russian side has not reported any potential casualties related to the drone attack and the air defense operations in Engels that night.

Update: The "arrival" may have been at the "Khrystal" fuel depot

According to preliminary information from the Telegram channel Exilenova+, the "Khrystal" fuel depot of the Rosrezerv may have been hit that night.

It was also noted online that this facility is intended for storing aviation fuel for the local airbase "Engels-2."

Update: The night drone attack also targeted Saratov

Around five o'clock in the morning, the governor of the Saratov region, Roman Busargin, reported that Engels and Saratov "were subjected to a massive drone attack" that night.

"There are damages at one of the industrial enterprises. According to preliminary information, no one was injured. Emergency services are working on-site to mitigate the consequences," stated the Russian official.

Explosions in Engels

It is worth noting that the Russian city of Engels, located approximately 700 kilometers from Ukraine, houses the main base for Russian strategic bombers Tu-160. These forces are utilized by the Russian military in aerial attacks on Ukrainian territory.

The airbase officially named "Engels-2" is home to the 121st Guards Sevastopol and the 184th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiments, which are equipped with strategic bombers Tu-160 and Tu-95MS, respectively.

It is important to highlight that explosions in Engels are not a new occurrence. In particular, this has happened near the local military airfield.

For instance, prior to this, explosions were reported at the "Engels" airfield on September 17, 2024. At that time, several strategic bombers Tu-95 and Tu-160 may have been present at the airbase.

The Russian side also reported on the drone strike on Engels and Saratov on August 26.

In July, it was also reported that explosions occurred at the "Engels" airfield in the Saratov region due to a drone attack, where Russian strategic aviation is located. Sources from RBK-Ukraine indicated that this was an operation by the GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Additionally, it is worth recalling that explosions occurred in Engels in April as well, and at that time, the Russian side complained about a drone attack.