ORT, Novosti, July 26, 2002, 15:00
“The explosion occurred in the area of the Kursk’s fourth torpedo tube. The torpedo which exploded was inside the fourth tube. Hydrogen peroxide was used as oxidant, and special kerosene as fuel in the A 6576 torpedo. The primary impulse, which initiated the explosion of the torpedo, was caused by irregular processes which occurred inside the torpedo oxidant’s tank. The torpedo fragments, in particular, parts of the oxidant’s tank were destroyed by pressure of about 50,000 atmospheres. The explosion caused death of the first compartment crew, considerable destruction in the interior of the submarine, fully destroyed the fourth torpedo tube and partially the second tube. As a result, holes appeared instead of the second and the fourth tubes, through which the seawater which drowned the first compartment started flowing.”
