Russia's blackout might provoke a blast in a phenol workshop; gas-alert is set

According to preliminary information, a phenol workshop blew up in Novomoskovs, Tula region, in the south of Moscow. The inhabitants of the city received the alert from the Emergency Management Agency about a possible emission of poisonous gases into the atmosphere.

The inhabitants are already observing a white cloud over the city. There's no report about victims so far. The accident could be caused by the widespread blackout, which happened in Russia on Wedensday.

The special forces of the Emergency Management Agency have arrived in Novomoskovsk. Helicopters are flying over the city.

NR