A drone strike targeted a Wildberries logistics center in Russia's Penza region overnight on July 30, injuring four people and sparking a massive fire that engulfed 62,000 square meters of the facility.
Emergency teams evacuated 226 warehouse workers as flames spread across the complex. Over 100 personnel, 50 specialized vehicles, and two fire trains were deployed to contain the blaze.
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Penza Region Governor Oleg Melnichenko said air defense systems intercepted several incoming drones on the city's outskirts.
However, 15 drones managed to penetrate defenses and strike the logistics facility.
The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal investigation into the strikes targeting Wildberries facilities in Penza and Udmurtia under Article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code, classifying them as acts of terrorism.
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Penza Mayor Oleg Denisov warned residents about potential smoke drifting toward the city center, advising them to keep windows closed, limit outdoor activities, and refrain from walking pets.
Local officials also reminded the public not to film air defense operations or record the aftermath of attacks, following widespread video sharing by eyewitnesses online.
The incident is part of a series of drone strikes on Wildberries infrastructure that began on July 18, affecting sites in Moscow, Tambov, Leningrad, and St. Petersburg.
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As of July 28, the retailer had paid over 40 million rubles in compensation to injured employees and families of victims.
