Many feared dead in Russia blast
18 August 2009
Russian officials have warned it is unlikely any of the 64 workers trapped within Russia's largest hydro-electric power plant after a blast will survive.
Twelve people are already confirmed dead after the explosion at the Sayano-Shushenskaya power plant in Siberia.
Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu said groups of divers were searching for survivors in the flooded turbine hall.
The blast's cause is unknown but reports said investigators believed a transformer exploded during repairs.
Unfortunately we have no comforting news
Sergei Shoigu
Ministry of Emergency Situations
In pictures: Power plant blast
The plant's owner said the flooding had occurred due to a pressure surge in water pipes.
"Unfortunately we have no comforting news. We still do not know the fate of over 60 people," Mr Shoigu told Russian state TV.
"The territory above water and under the water is being searched. We are awaiting a robot, which is able to work underwater," he said.
The plant's owners, RusHydro, said a detailed 3-D map of where its employees were at the time was being used during rescue efforts. source: bbc.com