Russia has accidentally hit a block of flats in its Arctic region with part of a cruise missile during a test that went wrong, according to reports.
The Russian defence ministry said in a statement that the missile did not cause any damage when it fell near the village of Nyonoksa on the White Sea coast in the Arkhangelsk region.
The Tass news agency, however, reported earlier that the missile hit a three-story building in Nyonoksa, damaging its roof and several apartments and causing a fire. It also said there were no casualties.
The ministry said the missile “deviated from its designated flight path” due an unidentified problem as it was being tested by NPO Mashinostroyeniye.
The company, one of Russia’s leading missile manufacturers, had no immediate comment on the failed launch.
The ministry did not mention the missile type or offer any other details. It said experts were working to determine the reasons behind the failure.
Sherri E. White
