The Ministry of Emergency Situations told about the tragedy at the Kirov stadium "Labor Reserves"

      Today, May 25, is the anniversary of the tragedy that occurred at the Trudovye Reservy stadium in 1968. On that day, an explosion of pyrotechnic devices thundered at the stadium, which were prepared for the theatrical performance "There is Moscow in the world."

      The Ministry of Emergency Situations told what was happening at the Labor Reserves then, publishing an excerpt from V.A. Manylov's book "The Whole Truth about the explosion at the Labor Reserves stadium.

      " On May 25, 1968, it was Saturday. The working day mostly ended at 5 p.m. The spectators began to fill the stadium. Many people came early on purpose to drink beer at the buffet located on the second floor of the administrative building. By 5:40 p.m., the stadium stands were 2/3 full. The performance of the Moscow Theater was supposed to be interesting. According to the scenario, scenes of military operations should be played out, starting with the Civil War and ending with the Victory Day Parade in 1945," Manylov wrote.

      According to the information published in his book, it is known that Berezentsev, a pyrotechnic engineer, was working on the stadium field that day: he was installing pyrotechnic devices for fireworks. Suddenly, the man noticed the fire from the warehouse window and ran into the building. As soon as he entered the room, an explosion occurred. "The time is 17 hours and 40 minutes. A short time later, a second explosion followed. The roof of the building lifted and collapsed. A column of fire shot up. Flaming rockets, other pyrotechnic devices, as well as sports grenades and various equipment stored in the building flew throughout the stadium. For the most part, all this fell on the audience, causing injuries and burns," says Manylov's book.All available ambulances were deployed to rescue the injured Kirov residents, and all crews from Kirov city fire departments and enterprises were called in. At 6:14 p.m., the fire at the Labor Reserves was localized.

      The Ministry of Emergency Situations of the region reported that 111 people were killed and injured as a result of that tragic incident. The Order of the Red Star was awarded to nine servicemen and one police officer who died in the line of duty, saving the spectators who gathered at the stadium on that fateful day.