Probe as collaped Russian barracks kills 23 soldiers

At least 23 Russian soldiers were killed and 19 taken to hospital when a military barracks collapsed yesterday near the Siberian city of Omsk.

Russian president Vladimir Putin (pictured) today sent condolences to the families of the victims of the accident at the paratroopers’ training centre, and gave instructions to provide all necessary assistance to the injured.

Part of the four-storey barracks at the training centre partially collapsed when personnel were inside, the Office of the President confirmed today. 

The quality of repairs carried out in 2013 on the 40-year-old building is one line of inquiry being pursued by Russia’s federal Investigative Committee, Reuters reported.

Rescue services said violations in construction procedure during repairs were a possible cause of the roof and floor collapse, reported RT.com, citing Russian news agency RIA Novosti.

“I can say that all people responsible in varying degrees for this tragedy, regardless of their position or duty, will be prosecuted and will be punished,” the committee’s spokesman, Vladimir Markin, told Reuters.

Forty-two soldiers were rescued from the rubble, reported RT.com.