A massive explosion at a gas station in Russia's southern republic of Dagestan has killed at least 30 people and injured more than 100, local officials said on August 15. The explosion took place on the night of August 14 on the outskirts of Makhachkala, the region's capital. A fire started at a car repair shop and spread to a nearby gas station, prompting a blast, Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti reported, citing the country's Emergency Ministry. Russian authorities have begun a criminal investigation.