(UPDATED) Under the procedural guidance of the Zhytomyr Regional Prosecutor's Office, five individuals have been notified of suspicion regarding the violation of rules for handling explosive substances: two company executives and three employees of one of them (Part 2 of Article 28, Part 1 of Article 263, Part 2 of Article 263-1, Part 2 of Article 267 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

This concerns the explosion on July 2 at an industrial enterprise warehouse in the village of Berezyna, within the Hlyboshytsia community. As a result, 2 people died, and 83 were injured, including 8 minors. Over 100 households, 3 gas stations, and about 20 vehicles were damaged.

During the investigation, it was established that the director of one of the enterprises organized the production of explosive substances, involving individuals without the appropriate professional level and special education.

The enterprise operated without any permits, licenses, certificates, or other authorization documents — in close proximity to residential buildings.

Due to violations of established legal rules and norms during the production and storage of explosive substances, a fire occurred, leading to detonation and subsequent explosions.

Searches are being conducted at the residences of officials and founders of the controlled enterprises within the framework of the criminal proceedings.

The Zhytomyr Regional Prosecutor's Office has submitted a motion to the court for the selection of a preventive measure in the form of detention for the suspects.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Zhytomyr region, with procedural guidance from the Zhytomyr Regional Prosecutor's Office and operational support from the Security Service of Ukraine.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a court verdict.