A fire at a petrol station in Chechnya, Russia, has killed four people, including two children, according to emergency services.

Authorities released images of more than two dozen firefighters extinguishing the blaze at an almost totally destroyed petrol station in Chechnya's main city, Grozny.

"Unfortunately, four people died, including two children," Russia's emergency ministry said.

Authorities said a fuel tank exploded at the station on Saturday, local time, resulting in the fire, that also injured five people.

Ramzan Kadyrov's, the leader of Chechnya, said in a statement on Telegram he had taken the situation under his personal control. 

He said those responsible for the blast would be brought to justice, but did not give further details.

The statement also said the fire had been put out.

Officials said the petrol station was on Grozny's Mohammad Ali Avenue, close to the centre of the Chechen capital.

Social media videos showed a large explosion, with flames reaching into the air.

Russia's North Caucasus has seen several deadly blasts at service stations recently.

Last month, an explosion at a petrol station in the neighbouring Dagestan region killed 13 people. In August 2023, a similar explosion killed 35 people in Dagestan and injured dozens.

AFP/Reuters