News   /   Russia

At least 13 killed, 70 injured by freak storm in Moscow

A view shows a car lifted by the roots of a tree, which was toppled during a heavy storm, in Moscow, Russia, May 29, 2017. (Photos by Reuters)

At least 13 people have been killed and over 70 more injured by a freak storm which ravaged through Moscow.

"The storm killed 11 people and 70 others have been seriously injured," said Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Monday. "The victims are receiving proper care," he added.

Following the announcement, the deaths of two more people were confirmed; an 11-year-old girl who was killed as a tree fell on her, and a 57-year-old man who died after being hit by a windborne fence.

A man walks near a tree, which was uprooted by a heavy storm and fell down on a car, in Moscow, Russia, May 29, 2017. 

According to reports, most of the casualties were the result of falling trees or structures, including a bus stop.

While offering his condolences to the victims and their families, Sobyanin noted that such an occurrence was “unprecedented.” "It's due to the fact that the storm hit in the middle of the day, which is why there is such a large number of victims," he added.

A view shows a tree, which was uprooted by a heavy storm, in Moscow, Russia, May 29, 2017.

Moscow’s Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo airports were forced to cancel some 13 flights and delayed 33 more due to bad weather conditions.

Russia’s weather service announced that the speed of the winds during the storm had reached up to 22 meters per second, and it also warned that a second storm may hit the Russian capital overnight.


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku