The number of people who died on Thursday from a major fire that broke out at a military research institute in the city of Tver rises to seven, 160 km from Moscow, the Russian state agency TASS reported.
Early reports from rescue services said two people were killed and 20 injured.
Russian television broadcast images of thick black smoke billowing over the imposing building of the Central Scientific Research Institute of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
According to eyewitnesses who spoke to the television, many employees of the institute jumped from the windows of the upper floors to escape the flames that spread over an area of 1,000 square meters.
"Two people were killed by the fire and 20 others were injured," said a source from the emergency services, quoting Russian news agencies.
Seven injured are being treated, including three in intensive care, a spokesman for the Tver regional hospital said, according to Russian state agency TASS.
Initial reports said the fire may have been caused by the building's damaged electrical wiring, TASS reported.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the institute is specifically engaged in research related to Russian aerospace defense, as well as the development of new air defense systems.
Source: CNA
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