Parked cars were also reportedly damaged as a result of the blast.

07:21, Tue, Jun 9, 2026 Updated: 08:14, Tue, Jun 9, 2026

Flames from the car

A car has reportedly exploded with the driver inside (Image: EXILENOVA PLUS/TELEGRAM)

A major city in Russia has reportedly been rocked by an explosion, after a car seemingly went up in flames. Initial reports circulating on Russian news and Telegram accounts suggest a blaze erupted from a car in the city of Balashikha.

Harrowing pictures shared by Ukrainian account Exilenova+, seemingly taken after the alleged blast, appear to show a fire raging and thick black smoke rising from the flames. A short clip also appears to show the moments before the blast, with a car slowly travelling along a line of parked vehicles before an explosion erupts.

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Russian news outlet Readovka reported on Telegram the alleged explosion erupted at 5.30pm local time on Koldunov Street in the Aviatorov neighbourhood.

The driver had reportedly just entered the car, initial reports suggest it was a BMW X3, and started driving when the alleged explosion happened. The Moscow Times said the driver was pulled out of the burning car but died at the scene. The identity of the driver is not known.

Balashikha is the most populous city in the Moscow Oblast [province] located approximately 25km east of central Moscow. It is also a major hub for Russian military personnel.

The Moscow Times also explained the Aviatorov neighbourhood in Balashikha is also known as "The Thirtieth." It is made up of 24 prefabricated buildings, primarily built for military personnel and their families.