Meteor Hits Russia: Hundreds Hurt

A meteor streaks across the sky in central Russia causing loud explosions and injuring hundreds of people.

More than 500 people have been injured after a meteor strike in central Russia, the country's interior ministry said.

Fragments of at least one meteorite were seen falling from the morning sky in the Chelyabinsk region at around 9am local time, around 1,500km east of Moscow.

Witnesses described feeling a pressure wave and hearing explosions overhead as the object hurtled to earth. Windows shattered and there were localised power cuts, sparking panic among residents.

The emergencies ministry said that 20,000 rescue workers had been dispatched to help the injured and locate those needing help.

The defence ministry said it had sent soldiers to the sites of impact.

Police urged people to remain calm and asked those who had been injured to call a special hotline.

Russia's Ministry of Interior said more than 500 people had reported injuries, with most requiring treatment for minor cuts and bruises caused by broken glass and damage to buildings. No serious injuries have been reported.

The local office of the National Emergencies Ministry said in a statement: 'A meteorite disintegrated above the Urals (mountain range in central Russia), partially burning up in the lower atmosphere.

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