Deadly blaze at fuel depot rocks Ukraine

(Vatican Radio) Ukrainian officials say a major blaze has engulfed a fuel depot near the capital Kiev, killing at least one worker and leaving three fire fighters unaccounted for. Seven workers and seven firefighters were injured amid attempts to prevent the blaze that officials said may have been set deliberately.

Listen to Stefan Bos’ report:

An explosion was heard as the fire was raging out of control at the fuel depot near the village of Hlevaha some 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Kiev.

Fire fighters and emergency workers from throughout the region rushed to the scene. But their fire engines and emergency vehicles were dwarfed by the flames and smoke that have filled the skies and resulted in victims.

At least 16 tanks were seen burning. Water supplies are now being being brought in by a convoy of trains.

Ukraine's Emergency Situations Ministry said firefighters were battling to prevent the blaze from spreading to another fuel depot and a nearby military unit.

EVACUATION ZONE

A two-kilometre (1.2 miles) evacuation and exclusion zone has been set up around the site.The blaze already prompted the evacuation of residents in surrounding areas.

For some it's too late.

The Interior Ministry has said that at least one worker at the depot died at a hospital from severe burns. And, several fire fighters were unaccounted for Tuesday, while others have been hospitalized for injuries.

Authorities said the cause of the blaze is under investigation, "with sabotage" a possibility.

The fire couldn't have come at a worse moment for the central government in Kiev: It is involved in a battle against pro-Russian separatists in the east.

More than 6,400 people have died in that conflict, which has also devastated the economy.