State of Emergency Declared Following Explosion in Makhachkala; Owner's Identity Revealed

The authorities in Dagestan have declared a state of emergency following an explosion at a gas station near Makhachkala. This was announced by regional leader Sergey Melikov during a meeting of the operational headquarters aimed at addressing the aftermath of the tragedy.

Additionally, investigators have identified the owner of the car service that exploded in Makhachkala as 39-year-old Ibragim Shamkhalov. They plan to interrogate him in the near future. It has been noted that he has a previous conviction for illegal gas trading.

Dagestan Republic leader Sergey Melikov has declared August 15 a day of mourning in the region. Melikov has ordered the cancellation of entertainment broadcasts and events, as well as a half-masting of state flags.

Currently, it is reported that the number of casualties has risen to 33.