Fire in Ukhta claims 24 lives

Explosion and fire in a store in the northern Russian city of Ukhta claimed 24 lives. The fire broke at midday, making 17 people hospitalized with severe burns.

More 30 people were evacuated from the building.

According to the preliminary investigation, the fire could have been caused by an explosion of a plastic bottle with flammable liquids, reports Pravda.ru. The explosion could be the result of a business conflict, the Interfax news agency reported yesterday.

Ukhta is the capital of Russia’s Komi republic. The head of Komi republic Vladimir Torlopov decreed that families of those who died at the fire will be paid an indemnity.