Russian cruise missile flies into block of village flats after test launch fails
A RUSSIAN cruise missile flew into a block of flats near a village in the country's northwest after its launch failed.
The missile was part of a series of test launches
The near-fatal incident fortunately left no-one injured and an investigation is already underway into the reasons behind the dangeorus mishap.
The missile was part of a series of test launches when it fell this morning near the town of Nyonoksa on the White Sea coast in the Arkhangelsk region.
The ministry said the missile "deviated from its designated flight path"
The missile smashed into a three-storey local building
The village is near a Russian naval base at Severodvinsk, in the far north-west.
The missile smashed into a three-storey local building, causing a fire that damaged its roof and several apartments.
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The defence ministry later confirmed all residents had been evacuated in time.
The ministry said the missile "deviated from its designated flight path" due an unidentified problem as it was being tested by NPO Mashinostroyeniye.
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An official statement by the Russian authorities read: "On December 15, a test launch of a cruise missile was carried out by industry experts JSC Mashinostroyenia at a Russian Defense Ministry proving ground in Arkhangelsk region."
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The company, one of Russia's leading missile manufacturers, had no immediate comment on failed launch.
The ministry haven't yet revealed the missile type or offered any other details.