At least seven killed in Moscow market blast

Moscow, Aug 21: At least seven people were killed in an explosion at a Moscow market today, Russia's Emergencies Ministry said.

Interfax news agency quoted a source in the Interior Ministry as saying terrorism was not suspected and that the blast was most likely caused by a faulty gas system.

''Seven people including three children were killed,'' a ministry spokeswoman said. Interfax, quoting city police, said nine people were killed and another 25 were hurt.

There were conflicting reports about the source of the blast. Other local media said the blast was caused by an explosive device. Russia's Channel One television station reported there had been two separate explosions.

Groups linked to an anti-Moscow insurgency in Russia's Chechnya region have in the past staged explosions and hostage-takings in Moscow, claiming dozens of lives. But the last such attack was more than a year ago.

Russian criminal gangs sometimes use small explosive devices in their struggle for control of markets in Moscow. Accidental explosions of gas canisters are also commonplace.

The blast happened in a part of the sprawling Cherkizovo market complex. It is near the Lokomotiv soccer stadium, which sometimes hosts international matches.

Reuters