Volgograd: removal of explosion debris suspended

Until December 28, a group of expert will hold a detailed examination of the block of flats in Kosmonavtov Street in Volgograd, where the explosion occurred, after which a search for the fifth casualty will continue under the rubble, said Andrei Bocharov, Governor of the Volgograd Region.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 20 an explosion occurred in No. 47 in Kosmonavtov Street, causing a collapse of the flight from the second to the ninth level. After the accident, 12 tenants were hospitalized, and while clearing the rubble, bodies of four persons were found. The whole house was considered dangerous and subject to demolition.

Today, the search and rescue operations at the site of collapse were suspended until December 28. This is due to the fact that a group of experts arrived in Volgograd for making a detailed survey of the building, said Andrei Bocharov.

"The experts will decide on how to continue the removal of ruins. Most likely, the remaining structures will be collapsed: either by a directed explosion, or by machinery," the "Interfax" quotes Governor Bocharov as saying.

He added that one body is still under the rubble; so far, rescuers have not found it, the "National News Service" reports.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.