Blast hits rubber plant in Russia

ERJ staff report (TP)

Omsk, Russia – Emergency officials in Russia said that an explosion took place yesterday morning (6 March) at a synthetic rubber plant in the Siberian city of Omsk, reported RIA Novosti.

The Emergency Situations Ministry said the accident had claimed casualties, but gave no specific details.

“As a result of a fire, an explosion occurred in the oil products refining column. There are casualties,” local emergency officials said in a statement.

Officials said 30 emergency vehicles and 80 rescue workers had been dispatched to the site of the incident.

People in the vicinity reported hearing two loud explosions and seeing a dark cloud of smoke rising from the Omsky Kauchuk plant.

According to information on the Omsky Kauchuk website, the company occupies a leading position on Russia’s synthetic rubber market.

Omsky Kauchuk is part of the Titan holding ompany, which produces a range of synthetic goods.

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Full story from RIA Novosti