INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Six people died Thursday when a fire engulfed a Russian military research institute involved in developing air defense systems in the
northwestern city of Tver, local officials said.Russian television showed thick black smoke rising from inside the yellow four-story
windows on the upper floors to escape the flames, according to witnesses quoted by broadcasters.The Tver regional government said in a
statement carried by state media that six people were killed and 21 injured in the blaze, updating earlier tolls.Preliminary information
suggests the fire was caused by faulty electric wiring, the TASS state news agency said.The defence ministry said the institute focuses on
research related to Russian air and space defense, as well as the development of new anti-aircraft systems.Accidental fires are common in
Russia, where hundreds of blazes are recorded each year due to aging and dilapidated infrastructure and non-compliance with safety standards
that are often lax.AFP contributed reporting.
