3 Blasts at Russian Slots Parlors Claim Innocent Lives
According to recent reports, Taimuraz Mamsurov, president of the Russian republic of North Ossetia, announced a shutdown of all gambling venues across the republic. The announcement was made at an emergency government meeting held shortly after Thursday night's three, almost simultaneous explosions at three small slot machine parlors in downtown Vladikavkaz, the republic's capital.
As a result of the slot parlor blasts, a 26-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man died instantly, and at least 21 others were seriously injured. A Health Ministry spokesperson was reported as saying that five of the injured are in critical condition with grave injuries of the chest and abdominal cavity. North Ossetian Interior Minister Sergei Arenin said operatives are now establishing the identities of the injured and questioning eyewitnesses.
Some police officials reportedly indicated that the bombings might have been the result of a criminal dispute. Reports demonstrated that the explosions were caused by remote-controlled bombs that were filled with metal screws to inflict maximum injuries. The head of the republic expressed condolences to the families of the casualties and said that the republic will provide financial assistance to all the people hurt in the blasts. The future of slots parlors and casinos in the republic currently seems vague.
