This is the moment a huge bitumen tank explodes at a power plant in Russia, sending sticky black goo high into the air like a tidal wave and killing three workers.

The incident was filmed in the city of Penza in the western Russian region of Penza Oblast on 9th March.

In the footage, bitumen is seen pouring out of the base of the storage tank before it crumples and collapses in on itself, sending the viscous liquid high into the air like a tsunami.

The local authorities said the explosion could have been caused by a technical fault with the main pump, but added that the investigation is ongoing.

Eyewitnesses reported a strong smell coming from the storage tank moments before the blast.

The affected area was cordoned off by the emergency services and the police monitored the entrance to the thermal power plant.

According to the latest reports, three people were killed in the incident and seven others were hospitalised.

The regional Ministry of Health said the patients suffered moderate to severe injuries in the explosion.

Oleg Melnichenko, governor of Penza Oblast, said 25 emergency workers were sent to the scene with six units of special equipment.

He added: “At the moment, the area where the bitumen spill occurred continues to operate normally. All the necessary services are working on the spot, including the regional Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Investigative Committee. Work is underway to establish the cause and deal with the consequences of the accident. The situation is under my personal control.

“I express my sincere condolences to the families of the dead and injured. They will be provided with all necessary help and psychological assistance.”

The investigation continues.