Fire Engulfs Former Soviet Carrier Minsk in China

A fire broke out on the former Soviet aircraft carrier Minsk around 4 PM local time while it was undergoing refurbishment in a lagoon near the Yangtze River in China. Dramatic footage shows flames engulfing parts of the vessel, particularly the bridge, although there have been no reported casualties. The Minsk, which has a storied history from serving in the Soviet Navy to becoming a military-themed tourist attraction, has been left in a state of disrepair for years, raising concerns about safety. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which remains unclear, while efforts to extinguish the blaze were largely successful by the following morning. The incident has sparked humorous reactions on social media, reflecting on the ship's tumultuous past. Despite the damage, the Minsk had been intended as part of a planned theme park in Nantong, Jiangsu Province.