Bus hit by bomb in southern Russian city, 6 feared dead (video) October 21, 2013 - 17:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Officials in Russia said that up to six people may have been killed Monday, Oct 21, after a bus in the southern city of Volgograd was hit by a blast believed to have been the result of a terrorist attack, RIA Novosti reported. If early suspicions that the bus was targeted in a terrorist are confirmed, it will awake new fears over security as Russia prepares to hold the Winter Olympics early next year. The National Antiterrorist Committee said in a statement that it believed the explosion was the result of a bombing attack. Russian officials said that the death toll was between five and six people. “Fragments of an explosive device have been found at the scene of the blast,” a local law enforcement source in the city of Volgograd told RIA Novosti. Earlier reports had suggested the explosion could have been due to the faulty fuel feeding system in the bus, which ran on natural gas. As of 4:05 pm local time, 27 people had been taken to hospital, including eight in serious condition, a city public health official said. The office for Volgograd governor said victims of the blast will be provided with financial support. “What is being dealt with first is providing medical assistance,” a representative with the governor’s office said. The explosion took place at 2:25 pm local time (1025 GMT) in the Kransoarmeisk district in Volgograd. The Investigative Committee said it has initiated a case on multiple murder, terrorism-related and arms trafficking charges. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. |