Gas Explosion At Moscow Restaurant Kills 2

Published January 9, 2012 2:36PM (EST)

MOSCOW (AP) — Officials say a gas explosion and fire at a Moscow restaurant killed two people and injured at least 26.

The explosion occurred Monday afternoon in the kitchen of an Italian restaurant in the Russian capital. A fire, believed to have been set off by the explosion, spread quickly through the three-story building.

Emergencies services official Ilya Denisov said at the scene that two restaurant employees died and 15 people were evacuated by ambulance.

The federal Investigative Committee said in a statement that in addition to the two killed, 26 people were hurt.

Russian state news agencies, citing a spokesman for the emergency services, said 32 people were hospitalized.

Investigators and emergency workers say the explosion is believed to have been caused by improper use of gas cannisters.


By Salon Staff

MORE FROM Salon Staff


Related Topics ------------------------------------------