Russia power station fire: Huge blaze erupts near Moscow

At least 11 people are thought to have been injured

A major firefighting operation is underway in Moscow’s northern commuter belt after a suspected explosion and fire at a power station.

Images showed flames and smoke billowing out of Plant no. 27, a modern natural gas powered generator serving northern Moscow.

By some estimates the flames went 50 metres into the sky, with the fire itself at one point covering a territory of 1000 square metres.

According to reports, some 70 fire fighting units have been sent to the scene, with emergency services helicopters also ready to fly over.

No life-threatening injuries have been reported.

At least 11 people are known to have presented with first and second degree burns.

Quoting sources in the power station, state media have speculated the situation came about after a fire spread to the plant’s gas supply.