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Blaze 'sets off Russian rockets' Blaze 'sets off Russian rockets'
(10 minutes later)
A fire at an air base arms depot in north-western Russia has reportedly set off several missiles, but caused no deaths or injuries.A fire at an air base arms depot in north-western Russia has reportedly set off several missiles, but caused no deaths or injuries.
Amateur video shows what appear to be at least two rockets zigzagging through a clear afternoon sky around the Lodeynoe Pole base near St Petersburg.Amateur video shows what appear to be at least two rockets zigzagging through a clear afternoon sky around the Lodeynoe Pole base near St Petersburg.
Unofficial sources say that at least 400 air-to-air rockets were damaged at a cost of about $82m (£41m).Unofficial sources say that at least 400 air-to-air rockets were damaged at a cost of about $82m (£41m).
The fire apparently began during repair work when workers were on a break. Friday's fire apparently began during repairs when workers were on a break.
Col-Gen Aleksandr Zelin, commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force, confirmed a number of air-to-air-missiles had exploded in the fire.Col-Gen Aleksandr Zelin, commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force, confirmed a number of air-to-air-missiles had exploded in the fire.
Earlier, an air force spokesman, Col Alexander Drobyshevsky, denied that any rockets had taken to the air as a result of the incident.Earlier, an air force spokesman, Col Alexander Drobyshevsky, denied that any rockets had taken to the air as a result of the incident.
'Like fireworks but worse''Like fireworks but worse'
An unnamed police source told Russia's Ria Novosti news agency that more than 400 of the missiles had been destroyed, at a total cost of at least $82m.An unnamed police source told Russia's Ria Novosti news agency that more than 400 of the missiles had been destroyed, at a total cost of at least $82m.
For its part, the Interfax news agency quoted an anonymous Russian security source as saying 450 missiles were destroyed at a cost of $100m.For its part, the Interfax news agency quoted an anonymous Russian security source as saying 450 missiles were destroyed at a cost of $100m.
Local resident Sergei Donko told Russian television he had seen three missiles come down.Local resident Sergei Donko told Russian television he had seen three missiles come down.
One exploded "like fireworks on 9 May [Victory Day in Russia] but... even worse", he added.One exploded "like fireworks on 9 May [Victory Day in Russia] but... even worse", he added.
Another local man, Igor Kovalyov, said:Another local man, Igor Kovalyov, said:
"They were really passing over our heads and we were guessing whether it would come to our house or not. Finally it landed here, causing a fire as a result.""They were really passing over our heads and we were guessing whether it would come to our house or not. Finally it landed here, causing a fire as a result."


Are you in the area? Did you see the fire or any rockets? You can send your comments using the post form below:Are you in the area? Did you see the fire or any rockets? You can send your comments using the post form below:
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