Over 40 dead in Odessa clashes and fire
A lot of wounded people have been taken to hospital. Most of the victims are Russians, local mass media report.
Over 40 people died and a lot of wounded people were taken to hospital after the clashes in Odessa and the fire in the House of Trade Unions, the Ukrainian MIA reports.
"31 people died in the fire in Odessa House of Trade Unions. Medics and policemen are working on the spot now. The information is being checked now. 50 people including 10 policemen asked for medical assistance. Rescuers have already managed to extinguish the fire,” the police report.
According to riot policemen, most of the victims got poisoned by carbon monoxide and some people died after jumping out of the windows.
There are 15 Russians and 5 citizens of Transnistria among the victims, Ukrainian mass media report. The information has not been officially confirmed yet.
The clashes between pro-Russia activists, Odessa and Kharkiv football clubs’ fans and Euromaidan activists started on Friday afternoon. Stones, Molotov cocktails and blasting assemblies were used. The police managed to separate the opponents and stop the riots.
Three people were killed and 15 were taken to hospital with various injuries. Three policemen were wounded.
The clashes were resumed near the House of Trade Unions in Kulikovo Pole later. Antimaidan tents had been situated there for a few months. Adherents of united Ukraine set them on fire. Separatists tried to hide in the House of Trade Unions.
Pro-Russia demonstrators were blocked in the building, Molotov cocktails were being thrown from all directions, Dumskaya.net reports. You could hear shots, witnesses said. Then the building caught fire.
