APOCALYPTIC PICTURES OF ABANDONED RUSSIAN FORTRESS STORING NAPALM THAT CAUGHT FIRE

 

It lies derelict on the shores of the Baltic Sea, a shadow of its former self.  But Fort Zverev still inspires the imaginations of visitors to the artificial island, just north of Kronstadt, near St Petersburg, where the remains stand overlooking the sea.

The fort, which was built in the 1870s by Russian engineer Konstantin Zverev, lies in complete ruins.  Described as 'hell on earth' the rusting bunker was destroyed by a savage fire that tore through the structure in 1970.  The blaze ignited in the fort and spread to engulf a network of cellars below ground.  There, stored in barrels, lay a stash of fuel that resembled napalm. The blast swept through the basement, sparking an uncontrollable inferno as the fuel lit.

 

Reaching temperatures of 2,000C, the fire was so hot the brick walls and ceiling melted, leaving strange icicle-like formations hanging from the ceiling.  When the fort finally cooled down, the intertwining rooms were unrecognisable, where smooth chamber walls once stood, a dark and rough cave was left in its wake.  At times as the temperatures drop and winter grasps hold of the Fort, visitors can see icicles clinging to the brick stalactites.

 

Read more and see pictures

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2574818/The-Russian-fortress-MELTED-fire-broke-spread-barrels-napalm-stored-basement.html

 

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