A petrol station explosion in Dagestan, Russia's southern region, has tragically claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals. The incident unfolded in Makhachkala, the regional capital located on the Caspian Sea's shores, at around 21:40 local time.

Approximately 60 people have suffered injuries, prompting the swift response of doctors and rescue personnel on-site, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

The precise cause behind the explosion remains uncertain, with images depicting a significant fire illuminating the night sky and numerous firefighting vehicles present.

A team of around 260 emergency workers has been dispatched, accompanied by an aircraft for transporting severely injured individuals to Moscow.

The fire has engulfed an estimated 600 square meters (6,460 square feet) and poses a risk of further explosions. An unnamed eyewitness mentioned in the Russian newspaper Izvestia stated that the fire originated from a car lot opposite the petrol station.

"After the explosion, everything fell on our heads. We couldn't see anything anymore," the witness said.

The Republic of Dagestan is one of 83 constituent parts of the Russian Federation and is the southernmost part of the country. Makhachkala sits around 1,600 km (1,000 miles) from Moscow.

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