30 Aug 2009 13:58

Investigators confirm 72 people were killed in HPP disaster

MOSCOW. Aug 30 (Interfax) - The death toll from the accident at the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power plant has risen to 72, the federal prosecutor's Investigation Committee reported.

"The 72nd victim was found dead at the scene of the disaster when the rubble was being cleared away," Investigation Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin told Interfax on Sunday.

The body has been identified, Markin said.

An accident at the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric plant on August 17 destroyed the machine compartment. The hydropower plant was shut down and an inquiry was launched into the accident.

Earlier reports said 71 people were killed in the accident and four remained unaccounted for.