Four days later, Russia revealed the outcome of a fire at a weapons development center: 17 dead

The Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Forces in Tver, 160 kilometers from Moscow, was engaged in the development of air defense systems

A view shows a burnt out defence research institute in the city of Tver, Russia, in a photo obtained by Reuters April 21, 2022. ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT.?

The death toll from a fire that devastated a military research institute in Russia last week rose to 17, local authorities said Monday.

“Regrettable, at this time, the official confirmed death toll rose to 17,” said in a statement the regional authorities of the town of Tver, where the building was located.

The fire occurred last Thursday at the Central Research Institute of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Tver, about 160 kilometers from Moscow.

On the same day of the tragedy, authorities reported that six people died in the incident.

According to the first reports, the fire may have been due to the poor condition of the building's electrical wiring.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the arson Institute specialized in research related to aerospace defense and the development of new anti-aircraft systems.

Accidental fires are common in Russia due to poor electrical installations or non-compliance with safety regulations.

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