News

Probe launched in Volgograd following collapse of block of flats

According to preliminary information a gas explosion happened in a block of flats at: 47, Kosmonavtov street on 20 December 2015, about 12 PM. The Volgograd Region investigating bodies of the Russia’s Investigative Committee have opened a criminal investigation in a crime under part 3 of article 238 of the RF Penal Code (manufacture, storage, transportation or selling of unsafe goods or products, carrying out unsafe works or provision of unsafe services).

According to investigators, the explosion happened in a flat on the seventh floor. According to preliminary data, about 150 people lived in the collapsed section of the building.

8 people: 6 adults and 2 children aged 5 and 7 years were taken to hospital. The children are out of danger. The number of victims is being checked. An investigative team of the Volgograd Region Investigations Directorate is working at the scene.

In addition, experienced investigators and criminalists of the Investigative Committee Central Office have been sent to the scene to provide practical assistance in the inquiry.

Head of Media Relations                                                                                                                              V.I. Markin