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Apartment Blast Kills 19 in Ukraine

Gas explosion suspected as rescuers look for survivors

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Dec 25, 2008 12:10 PM CST
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(Newser) – Rescuers could hear cell phones ringing in the rubble as they pulled bodies from an apartment building in southern Ukraine that collapsed after an explosion last night, Reuters reports. At least 19 people are dead and 24 missing after the blast, likely caused by oxygen stored in the basement. All five stories were flattened, leaving behind debris containing wires, broken furniture, and children’s toys.

Ukraine’s president and prime minister put aside differences and arrived together in the Crimean peninsula resort town of Yevpatoria. They vowed to find shelters for affected families before Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev pledged aid for the region, where half the population is Russian. Gas blasts are common in Soviet-era buildings, especially in winter.

Rescuers work under the debris of the shattered five-story apartment building.
Rescuers work under the debris of the shattered five-story apartment building.   (AP Photo)
The Ukrainian president and prime minister speak to local residents after the explosion.
The Ukrainian president and prime minister speak to local residents after the explosion.   (AP Photo)
Rescuers work at a shattered five-story apartment building in a Black Sea resort earlier today.
Rescuers work at a shattered five-story apartment building in a Black Sea resort earlier today.   (AP Photo)
Rescuers work at the rubble from a five-story building that collapsed in Ukraine yesterday.
Rescuers work at the rubble from a five-story building that collapsed in Ukraine yesterday.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Guest
Dec 27, 2008 12:57 AM CST
falls from the past

700 rescue workers scour area
Telegraph (UK)

Witnesses see blue flame
BBC

 
gas • Black Sea • explosion • Ukraine • Viktor Yushchenko • Yulia Tymoshenko • resorts • Dmitry Medvedev • disaster • apartment

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