According to the state research institute for virology and biotechnology, Vector, a gas tank should have exploded on Monday and caused a fire. The explosion occurred in connection with a repair work in an inspection room. At least one employee must have been injured in connection with the incident.

"No work has been done on biological materials," Vector said in a statement. The research institute further tells ABC News that there is no risk of a "biological disaster" or other people's lives.

One of the world's largest research facilities

Vector, founded in 1974, is one of the world's largest research facilities that stores live Ebola and smallpox viruses.

The plant manufactures tools to diagnose and treat infectious diseases such as swine flu, HIV and ebola. Earlier this year, tests were carried out on a vaccine against Ebola, which is said to be ready for use.

In the Soviet Union, scientists at the plant studied disease virus such as anthrax and harpest to learn how to make biological weapons.