[Central News Agency] Russian media reported today that in the Belgorod region of Russia bordering Ukraine, a soldier improperly operated a grenade and caused the ammunition to explode, killing 3 people and injuring 16. It is reported that they were all conscripted to Ukraine Combat officers and soldiers.

Russian state media quoted the Belgorod region's emergency services as saying the explosion occurred at a cultural center that had been converted to allow the Russian armed forces to store ammunition.

Please read on...

The Interfax News Agency also reported that eight soldiers were still missing as of evening.

Local officials claimed the explosion was caused by "improper handling" of the grenade, the TASS news agency reported.

Telegram channels 112 and Baza, which are linked to Russian law enforcement agencies, said the dead and wounded were soldiers conscripted to fight in Ukraine under a Russian mobilization order, Reuters reported.

However, the aforementioned Russian media reports did not mention the exact time when the explosion occurred.

1120116