Toxic cloud poisons pupils’ fest

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Published time: September 01, 2011 09:24
Edited time: September 01, 2011 15:53

Russian rescuers localizing bromine leaks in the city of Chelyabinsk (RIA Novosti / STF) Includes viideo from YouTube, uploaded by dizz74 and Evgeniy237 on 31 Aug 2011

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Accident, Children, Health, Russia

Celebrations of the first day at school were marred for many children in Russia’s Ural region when a railway accident caused a leak of toxic bromine gas. The poisonous cloud covered several parts of the city of Chelyabinsk.

Emergency services received dozens of calls from citizens of Chelyabinsk on Thursday after a train carriage was damaged during a coupling operation and leaked highly-poisonous bromine vapor.

No casualties have been reported for the moment, but dozens of people have sought medical assistance. The Russian Investigative Committee reported 31 requests for medical attention. Eight people were reported to be in hospital with symptoms of poisoning, according to the city administration.

Bromine is a naturally occurring element, it is a liquid at room temperature. It has a brownish-red color with a bleach-like odor, and dissolves in water. Bromine is used in agriculture, sanitation and as fire retardants. Breathing this gas could cause you to cough, have trouble breathing, get a headache, have irritation of your mucous membranes, or have watery eyes.

The cloud of toxic was clearly visible over some districts of Chelyabinsk. The authorities urged citizens to stay at home, all celebrations of the Day of Knowledge were cancelled and pupils were forced to stay in schools or at home.

A relief operation is underway at the station where the accident happened and the leaks have been reportedly been contained for the moment. More than 40 special units and around 100 firemen have been involved in the operation.

The damaged carriage has been moved away from the city vicinity. It allegedly contained around 2,000 cans of liquid bromine, each containing five liters of the chemical. Around 10 were damaged. The gas cloud over the city is expected to disperse by the end of the day, the authorities say.

Watch photo report from Karabash, Chelyabinsk region, one of the dirtiest and most hazardous places in the world.

Comments (2)

Sarah Goodwill 01.09.2011 18:15

It's punishment for that teen nightclub. Nah, but people always attribute horrible things to punishments from above. I hope those people are okay :(

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MikeNZ 01.09.2011 12:36

Hmmmm that's a huge carcinogenic quantity.
Mind, Cheliabinsk is covered with plutonium ....

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