Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Suicide: 35 dead in Moscow airport

A suicide bomber killed at least 35 dead Monday afternoon at the Moscow international airport Domodedovo, according to the latest provisional results provided by Elena Galanova, spokesman for the airport. Nearly 46 people were seriously injured.
The explosions, which could be two in number, were held at 4:32 p.m. (2:32 p.m. French time) It occurred in the arrivals area of international flights from Domodedovo airport, one of two major airports Moscow and the first airport in Russia (18.6 million passengers per year). "More exactly in the baggage claim area of Terminal international arrivals," said an official committee of inquiry.
"The bomber blew himself up while he was in the waiting crowd of travelers," said a police source quoted by RIA. Several witnesses spoke to the Russian media have reported hearing two explosions.
Three suspects sought
By late afternoon, police announced they found "the head of a man of Arab aged 30-35 years" on the scene. "He has probably triggered the explosive device," said a police source at the agency Interfax. Another source had previously mentioned track "probable" in the Russian Caucasus. Moscow has in the past denounced the involvement of mercenaries from Arab countries in the armed rebellion in the region.
From Russia Today, three suspects who may be involved in the explosion are being sought by police.
International flights diverted to other airports around Moscow
Moscow police have been put on alert about a possible risk of terrorist attacks in the capital, metro and other Moscow airports Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo. All international flights were diverted to other airports around Moscow. "An investigation for terrorism has been opened," said a statement from the BOI.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has also ordered the establishment of a "special security regime" in train stations and airports across the country and in all transport infrastructure. He also announced the postponement of his departure for Davos summit.
Russia Today correspondents have said mid-afternoon there was still smoke in the terminal hit by the explosion. "The wall of the building even had to be destroyed by agents to allow the evacuation of passengers who were still inside," said Russia Today. The first elements of the investigation showed that the power of the explosion was equivalent to 5 to 10 kg of TNT.
The first footage after the explosion (document amateur)
"People burned running in all directions"
About 80 rescue teams were dispatched on the spot. The first wounded were taken to nearby hospitals. "Something terrible happened here. Dozens of people were evacuated on stretchers, carts, told the Russian radio station City FM witness, Andrei, who was on site at the time of the tragedy. "People burned running in all directions." Passengers who were on site were able to post via TwitVid, the first videos inside the terminal, minutes after the explosion.

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