Six killed in Moscow fire
02/10/2007 16:25 - (SA)
Moscow - Fire broke out Tuesday at a five-story institute in Moscow, killing at least six people and injuring more than two dozen, Russian emergency officials said.
The blaze, which started about 13:00 (09:00 GMT) at the Moscow State Institute of State and Corporate Management, forced some students and teachers to climb onto tree branches or jump four or five stories into firefighting rescue nets below.
Others were forced to climb down drainpipes to safety, and rescuers called in helicopters to evacuate people and drop water on the building's roof.
Viktor Beltsov, a spokesperson for the Emergency Situations Ministry, said at least six people died in the blaze and 30 were treated for smoke inhalation, burns and other injuries.
Russia records nearly 18 000 fire deaths a year - several times the per-capita rate of the United States and other Western countries.
Deadly blazes at schools, hospitals and other state-run facilities in recent years have revealed official negligence and rampant violations of fire safety rules.
News24 is now available on your cellphone.
Click here to get News24 headlines on your Facebook profile.
A fire has broken out at the Moscow State Institute of State and Corporate Management, a five-story university, claiming at least six lives. More than two dozen are said to be injured.

The fire started around 13:00 (09:00 GMT). Some students and teachers were trapped and had to climb out onto trees, jump four or five stories onto nets held by firefighters, or climb down drainpipes to escape.

Helicopters were called in to evacuate the injured and engage in aerial firefighting activities.

Spokesman for the Emergency Situations Ministry, Viktor Beltsov, said that six died and 30 were treated for smoke inhalation, burns and other injuries. The ''International Herald Tribune'' says that seven were killed and 35 injured, although it also quotes its figures from Mr Beltsov.