Massive Fire Erupts At Thermal Power Plant In Orenburg, Russia

• 13.04.2025, 8:40

The fire began after an explosion.

On the morning of April 13, a massive fire broke out at the Sakmarskaya Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) in Orenburg, Russia, following a loud explosion. The local emergency call service explained the fire as caused by a “short circuit at a transformer substation.”

Local residents reported that after the “bang,” electricity went out in some houses. This was reported by Russian Telegram channels, according to "Obozrevatel."

The moment of the explosion in Orenburg was captured on surveillance cameras. According to the footage, it occurred at 5:08 a.m. local time. After that, a large fire broke out at the CHP, which was visible from various districts of the city.

A massive fire erupted at the CHP in Orenburg, Russia: the explosion was explained as a short circuit.

Residents began posting online that they were woken and frightened by the sound of a powerful explosion. Immediately afterward, they reported power outages in residential buildings.

Russians also claimed, citing videos shared online, that a humming sound could be heard prior to the explosion in Orenburg. However, regional authorities did not confirm any drone attack.

A local publication was told by the Unified Duty Dispatching Service that a “short circuit occurred at a transformer substation” near the Sakmarskaya CHP on Tereshkova Street.

According to public data, the Sakmarskaya CHP is part of the Orenburg branch of PJSC “T Plus” and is intended to provide Orenburg with hot water, heating, and electricity. It supplies heat to 80% of the city.