Explosion rocks thermal plant in southern Siberia
At least 23 people have been injured in an explosion at the Shagonarskaya thermal power plant in the Russian city of Tuva early on Wednesday, Alexey Kuznetsov, an aide to the Russian health minister, has said.
The blast occurred in a boiler room, which led to a fire. Workers have been evacuated from the plant.
One of the victims of the incident, which resulted in 15 people being hospitalized for burns, has died, while six are in serious condition. Three people are also missing and are feared trapped under rubble following the blast.
The fire, which at its maximum covered an area of 50 square meters, has been contained. The exact cause of the explosion and subsequent blaze is still being established.
The plant is now cordoned off, and emergency services are working at the scene.
The incident led to hot water being turned off in the area, where night temperatures currently reach about -20C, and some households were left without heating. The plant is still operational and the local authorities say that hot water will be turned back on by evening.
