53 Dead in Moscow Roof Collapse
The following is a copy of a story just released in our Weather Headlines (PREMIUM | PRO) and permalink-ized here.
Russian officials say at least 56 people were killed and 32 were injured when the roof of a Moscow market collapsed early this morning.
According to press reports survivors used cell phones to try and point rescuers to where they were trapped. Rescuers used hydraulic lifters, pickaxes and metal cutters to clear the rubble in an effort to reach trapped survivors. From time to time they would stop to listen for signs of life. Search dogs were also brought in, along with floodlights to illuminate the scene after darkness fell.
Moscow Prosecutor Anatoly Zuyev is quoted as saying the probable cause of the collapse of the 32-year old building was either a buildup of heavy snow, design flaws or shabby maintenance.
The Russian Weather Service reports 18.5" of snow has fallen since the beginning of winter. Two to three inches of wet snow fell in Moscow last night.
The wreckage of the collapsed market in Moscow, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006. The concave, snow-covered roof of a three-decade-old Moscow market collapsed early Thursday, killing and injuring dozens of people, a spokesman for the Emergency Situations Ministry said.(AP Photo/Misha Japaridze)
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