An explosion in a sewage plant in the town of Pavshino, about 5 kilometres west of Moscow, killed two people, injured 12 and left one missing. Ruling out terrorism, officials said the likely cause was a build-up of explosive gases.

The explosion left Pavshino and nearby towns and villages without water. After supplies of bottled drinking water had been exhausted, residents spent hours queueing for more water at wells.

For more on sewage plant safety see:

• ILO - Occupational Hazard Datasheets - Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.
• NFPA 820: Standard for Fire Protection in Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facilities. Order information

Source: AP / Hindustan Times, 16 Sep 2006

Tags: sanitation