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Ukraine plant ammonia leak death toll rises to 6

According to experts, local residents are in no danger

Photo ITAR-TASS/ Artiom Korotaev

Photo ITAR-TASS/ Artiom Korotaev

KIEV, August 8 (Itar-Tass) - Death toll from the Tuesday ammonia leak accident at the Stirol chemical plant in Ukraine has risen to six as one person who suffered from ammonia poisoning died at the Gorlovka municipal hospital on Thursday morning, Donetsk Region’s administration reported.

Five employees of the plant who were killed in the accident will be buried in Gorlovka on Thursday. The city has announced mourning for victims of the Stirol accident.

Stirol is one of Ukraine’s biggest chemical producers. Ostchem is a managing company which coordinates the strategy of six fertiliser companies belonging to Group DF of Dmitry Firtash, four of which are located in Ukraine: Stirol Concern, Severodonetsk Azot, Cherkasy Azot and Rivneazot.

According to Donetsk Region’s administration, the air and soil samples are regularly taken at the enterprise and in the adjoining territory. According to experts, local residents are in no danger.

Prime Minister Yuri Boiko, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Oleg Proskuryakov, as well as representatives of security services have visited the Stirol plant.

A total of 26 people sought medical attention following the incident.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich has given orders to provide medical and material aid to those affected by the accident and provide support to the families of those killed.

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