The head of Russia's Emergency Ministry, Vladimir Puchkov, has called for safety inspections for household natural gas infrastructure following a number of gas explosions in residential buildings throughout Russia.
"The explosions of household natural gas in some areas has become an ordinary thing," the minister said at a conference of the National Center for the Administration of Crisis Situations. "Clean up the situation with the companies that operate and maintain the gas infrastructure and prepare a clear and coherent plan to correct deficiencies."
Earlier, President Vladimir Putin had called for a nationwide inspection of residential natural gas infrastructure.
The most recent gas explosion took place during the night of Nov. 6 in Ivanovo. Six people died in the explosion, and another four were hospitalized with serious injuries. On Oct. 23, another gas explosion occurred in Ryazan, killing seven people and injuring 13.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
