Over 70 now feared dead in Russian power plant blast (Roundup)

Aug 18, 2009, 10:47 GMT

   Moscow - Little hope remained Tuesday for dozens missing after an accident Monday at Russia's largest hydro-electric power station, with company officials fearing a death toll of over 70.

Twelve people were confirmed dead following an explosion at the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydro-electric plant that collapsed, flooding the facility's turbine hall. Another 64 remained missing in the flooded area.

A doctor treating survivors spoke of an 'indescribable catastrophe', Interfax news agency said. Those pulled from the area had suffered hypothermia and had water and oil in their lungs.

The search was continuing for survivors, Interfax reported, citing Vassily Zubakin, a manager at the plant. But given that the machine room flooded after the collapse, odds of their survival were slim.

   The Russian government has promised financial aid to families of the deceased.

   Sergey Shoigu, the minister of emergency situations, said there was little chance that the plant's dam would collapse. Russian media has described the accident as the worst blow to Russia's energy supply in years.

   The plant lies along the Yenisei river in southern Siberia. At the time of the explosion, large numbers of workers were on site owing to a changeover of shifts.

   The number of rescue workers was due to increase Tuesday from 900 to 1,300, Itar-Tass reported. Experts were also scheduled to begin tackling the oil slick on the power station's 320-kilometre-long reservoir.    

   The Sayano-Shushenskaya power station is the largest hydroelectric plant in Russia, with a capacity of 6,700 megawatts. The plant, which opened in 1978, has a dam which is 242 metres high and more than a kilometre wide.    

   Itar-Tass reported that the accident was believed to have been caused by a transformer explosion. An investigation was ordered.