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Seven Dead After Blasts At Siberia Munitions Depot


Local authorities say at least seven people died and four are missing after blasts at a munitions depot in eastern Siberia.

The regional government of the Zabaikalsky Krai in a statement said 17 others were injured in the blasts earlier on April 29 at the Defense Ministry munitions depot in the region. The blasts were sparked when a forest fire spread to the facility due to strong winds.

The blasts forced the Trans-Siberian railway to temporarily suspend services.

Russian media reports said more than three hours after the first blast at the depot, explosions were still happening every two or three minutes. Officials say the blasts have now subsided and the blaze had been brought under control.

Residents of local communities have been evacuated.
Based on reporting by Reuters, ITAR-TASS and Interfax

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