Three Russian Soldiers Die in Grenade Explosion After Getting Drunk During Resupply Run

Three Russian soldiers blew themselves up in a tragic grenade explosion after getting drunk during a resupply run in Russia’s southwestern Voronezh region. The incident occurred in the city of Rossosh, where the soldiers rented a private house. Two other servicemen were injured in the blast. The news has been sourced from credible Russian-language news outlets like Astra and the VChK-OGPU Telegram channel, which has close ties to Russian security forces.

Background of the Incident

This unfortunate incident comes nearly 19 months into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has witnessed a significant number of casualties, with Kyiv’s military data suggesting that over 270,000 Russian troops have been “liquidated.” Amidst such circumstances, the grenade explosion in Voronezh raises questions about the state of the Russian military and its preparedness.

Confirmation of the Incident

Russian state-run news agency Tass reported on September 16 that three people had died in Rossosh due to a grenade explosion. However, it didn’t specify whether they were military personnel. The lack of official confirmation has left room for speculation and raised concerns among the public.

The Local Perspective

A local news outlet, Bloknot, shed some light on the incident, revealing that the explosion occurred in a private house rented by five men. Eyewitnesses claimed that the soldiers were relaxing and having a barbecue on the evening of September 15, when a conflict broke out among them. The witnesses mentioned that the men were intoxicated during a heated conversation, which likely contributed to the tragedy.

Identity of the Soldiers and their Mission in Rossosh

The VChK-OGPU Telegram channel, known for its connections to Russian security forces, reported that the three servicemen were in Rossosh on a mission to purchase military equipment. They were drinking at the time of the explosion. According to the channel, the soldiers belonged to the Central Military District and were currently in service. The source cited by the channel stated that they were given a three-day timeframe for the delivery.

The Tragic Outcome

At some point during the evening, three soldiers stepped out of the house, leaving the remaining two inside. It was in the yard that the explosion occurred. The VChK-OGPU identified the grenade that exploded as an F-1. The consequences were devastating, with the three servicemen losing their lives in the blast. This revelation highlights the risks associated with irresponsible behavior and alcohol consumption, particularly within the military context.

The Victims: Professional Sappers

Astra, an independent Russian-language news outlet, reported that the three soldiers killed in the grenade explosion were “professional sappers.” Sappers, also known as elite combat engineers, are responsible for various military engineering duties. These include tasks such as minefield placement or clearing, bridge-building, demolitions, field defenses, and road and airfield construction. Their expertise plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of forces and impeding their enemies.

Ongoing Investigation and Official Statements

As of now, regional authorities have not made any comment regarding the incident in Rossosh. To gather a comprehensive understanding of the situation, Newsweek has contacted Russia’s foreign ministry for an official statement. It is essential to wait for all the relevant facts and official feedback before drawing any final conclusions.

Wrapping Up

The tragic grenade explosion in Russia’s Voronezh region stands as a somber reminder of the risks faced by military personnel, even during routine operations. The incident highlights the need for responsible behavior, particularly in stressful situations like armed conflicts. As investigations continue, it is imperative to await official statements to gain a complete picture of the incident and its implications.

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