23:58, 25 March 2014

In Astrakhan, fire-fighters rescue seven persons from fire in low-rise buildings

At the spot of the fire occurred in Astrakhan. March 25, 2014. Photo by the Astrakhan Region Department of Russian Ministry for Emergencies (MfE) 30.mchs.gov.ru

On Tuesday, a major fire occurred in the centre of Astrakhan. Fire-fighters rescued seven persons, including two young mothers with newborn children. This was reported by Irina Gogoleva, an official from the Russian Ministry for Emergencies (MfE).

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on the other day, in Astrakhan, six low-rise buildings burned as a result of major fire. 32 persons were evacuated from the burning houses.

"Young mothers with children could not leave the burning house because of strong smoke. Fire-fighters arrived to find them in the smoke, and they helped the women with children to leave the house," the RIA "Novosti" quotes Irina Gogoleva as saying.

In Astrakhan, about 10 streets, including the areas adjacent to the streets, were blocked because of the fire, and traffic lights were de-energized. On that day, the fire doubled the number of road traffic accidents. This was reported by Artyom Sladkov, an official from the Regional Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). As of 8:00 p.m., 75 road traffic accidents were recorded.