Hopes fade for the missing in Russian dam disaster

Russia says the chances of finding any of the 64 people still missing after the deadly blast at a hydro electric power station are increasingly dim.

Officials confirmed at least 12 people died yesterday when the turbine room at the Sayano-shushenskaya plant in Siberia flooded. But that number now looks almost certain to mount. Last night, emergency crews spent the night recovering the injured. So far only 15 survivors have been found alive with efforts still ongoing. The extent of the explosion had raised fears Russia’s largest dam might burst and authorities spent most of yesterday trying to reassure those living near the disaster zone that the facility would not collapse. Despite that, many panicked residents ignored the advice. Petrol stations in the Khakassia region found themselves overwhelmed by people trying to flee to higher-ground to escape the shadow of the dam. The exact cause of the accident still remains unclear. However, there is speculation either a transformer exploded or water pressure ruptured pipes.More about: Accident, Russia

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