Russian authorities had stated that up to seven people perished in the fire at the Second Central Research Institute in Tver, but it is now reported that at least 25 people died.

After a top-secret missile research complex went up in flames, Russia has kept the death toll undisclosed.

On Thursday, footage showed a massive fire at the structure, with a death toll of up to seven people reported.

However, it is now reported that at least 25 people died, including some of Russia’s top missile scientists.

A search was still underway among the rubble two days after the fire, it was said.

At least five of them are in critical condition.

The massive fire broke out at the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Defense’s secret Second Central Research Institute in Tver.

To escape the severe heat and flames, some military scientists jumped from higher stories.

At the time, there were reports of “poisonous bluish-black smoke.”

The institute is responsible for the design of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system as well as the Iskander missiles that have been used in the Ukraine conflict.

It’s also working on other “top-secret” projects.

On the SOTA Telegram group, respected local journalist Alexander Gamburg said that he had seen the list of the “perished” firsthand.

“As of 10pm on April 22 there were 25 people,” he said.

“Seven from from April 21, and 18 people were found and identified on April 22.

“The youngest one is a major, a man born in 1983. The oldest is 90 or 91, born in 1931.

“I don’t know what he was doing at his workplace at the research institute at this age.

“Most of the perished are men. The numbers are not final. This is a big tragedy.”

The death toll was estimated to be five or seven by state media.

Gamburg made it apparent that he couldn’t go into further detail due to Russian censorship and “not to compromise people important and dear to me”.

He added: “Criminal investigators are working at the scene until Sunday, after which they are due to announce the losses.”

A criminal investigation has been launched into how the fire at the crucial Russian defense plant was allowed to happen.

The loss is viewed as a setback for Vladimir Putin’s missile modernization plans.

Toxic black smoke was blowing through long passageways, according to one freed military scientist.

“My colleague was feeling worse than me, I was still conscious.

“He was no longer on his feet. I told the fireman that he should be pulled out first, but the rescuer replied that he could not raise him to his feet and I needed to be saved.

“Unfortunately, the colleague could not be resuscitated, he died.

“I came to my senses only in the hospital, after my first injection.”

An emergency chopper was dispatched to dump water on the burning institute, which has now been completely destroyed.

Image Credit: EAST2WEST NEWS

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