A devastating explosion rocked a gas station along the M-06 highway near the village of Berezyna in Ukraine’s northwestern Zhytomyr Oblast at around 6 p.m. local time on July 2. According to local authorities, at least two people were killed and 15 others injured, several of whom were simply passing by when the blast occurred.
Chaos at the Scene
Witnesses reported hearing a series of loud explosions, followed by a massive plume of black smoke rising into the sky. Footage published by Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne showed the gas station completely destroyed, flames engulfing parts of a nearby McDonald’s restaurant, and multiple vehicles charred or mangled in the aftermath.
“I was about 300 meters away when I heard two blasts like bombs. Then came a fireball and people screaming everywhere,” said Olena T., a local resident.
Widespread Infrastructure Damage
The regional energy company JSC Zhytomyroblenergo confirmed that three high-voltage power lines were damaged by the force of the blast, cutting off electricity to more than 750 households in the surrounding area. Traffic on the crucial M-06 highway—which connects Kyiv to the western border—was paralyzed, with long lines of vehicles stuck for hours.
Emergency services, police, and firefighters responded within minutes. The fire took nearly two hours to be fully extinguished.
Cause: Gas Leak at the Station
Although initial reports speculated the explosion may have originated from a nearby industrial facility, Zhytomyr officials later confirmed that the blast was caused by a gas leak from one of the fuel tanks at the gas station. A small spark—possibly from the cooling system or technical oversight—may have ignited accumulated flammable gas.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation. It appears the gas station failed to comply with essential fire safety regulations,” Governor Vitaliy Bunechko stated in a press conference the following morning.
A criminal investigation has been opened. Police confirmed that five individuals, including the gas station’s owner and manager, are currently in custody for questioning on suspected violations of safety standards resulting in death and serious injuries.
Victims and Emergency Support
Among the 15 people injured, at least four remain in critical condition at the Zhytomyr Regional Hospital. The two deceased victims were identified as employees working at the gas station at the time of the explosion.
Local authorities have deployed emergency support teams to provide temporary shelter to families who lost power or whose homes were damaged. Psychological support services have also been made available to victims and witnesses.
