Staff trapped in deadly fire at Moscow office building


At least eight people have died in an office building fire near Moscow, state-owned news agency Tass reports.

Some people could still be trapped inside the burning building in Fryazino, about 25km (15.5miles) north-east of the capital, local governor Andrey Vorobyov wrote on social media.

Footage online shows thick smoke billowing from the upper floors of the eight-storey complex. In some videos, people can been seen at the windows, while local media said a number of people were seen jumping from the upper floors.

The building once homed the Platan Research Institute and defence industry, according to state-owned news agency Tass.

However a statement to the agency from Ruselectronics, a Russia-owned electronics organisation, said the building has been privately owned since the 1990s.

Mr Vorobyov said eight emergency teams were working to rescue those still trapped in the building.

He added that a 34-year-old man had been taken to hospital in a serious condition, while two firefighters were also being treated for injuries sustained in the blaze.

Emergency ministry officials said over 100 specialists and two helicopters were working to fight the fire.

It is not immediately clear what caused the fire, but one eyewitness told Tass that it broke out on the sixth floor before spreading.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.



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