war against Ukraine
Brewery hit in Donetsk – toxic ammonia leaked
The front between Ukrainian troops (pictured) and Moscow-controlled separatist units has been running just a few kilometers northeast of Donetsk since 2014. photo
© David Goldman/AP/dpa
The gas is said to have spread within a radius of two kilometers. Residents in the separatist stronghold in eastern Ukraine were called upon to stay indoors and keep windows closed.
Toxic ammonia has escaped from a burning brewery in the eastern Ukrainian separatist stronghold of Donetsk, according to local authorities. The Donetsk Territorial Defense said the fire was caused by Ukrainian artillery fire. One person was killed and two others injured in the fire caused by Ukrainian shelling, the pro-Russian authorities in Donetsk said on Thursday.
The escape of ammonia had been stopped. The gas was therefore distributed during the night within a radius of two kilometers. The population was asked to stay indoors and keep windows closed. Ammonia – known for its pungent odor – is used as a coolant in beer brewing. At the time of the shelling, more than 30 people were in the brewery, it said.
Since 2014, the front between Ukrainian troops and Moscow-controlled separatist units has been running just a few kilometers northeast of the largest city in Donbass. The heaviest fighting is raging in the region.
Russian troops try to break through the well-fortified Ukrainian lines. The separatists said three civilians were killed by Ukrainian shelling in Donetsk on Wednesday. The reports are usually not independently verifiable.