| USA TODAY | - |
Police
in the Black Sea port of Odessa said late Friday that 31 people died
when a union hall was set ablaze as pro-Russia demonstrators battled in
the streets with Ukrainian loyalists.
Police in the Black Sea port of Odessa said late Friday that 31 people died when a union hall was set ablaze as pro-Russia demonstrators battled in the streets with Ukrainian loyalists.
Some victims were killed by smoke, while others died when they jumped out of windows, Reuters reported. Police initially put the death toll at 38.
The House of Union was set on fire after pro-Moscow demonstrators occupied it, the Kyiv Post reported. An estimated 50 people, including 10 police officers, sought medical care.
Citing Ukrainian newspapers, the Associated Press reported that the Russian sympathizers took refuge in the trade union hall on Kulikovo Field Square after government supporters rousted their encampment outside. Police said the building was set on fire with Molotov cocktails.
STORY: Ukraine says 'many' rebels killed, wounded in crackdown
Earlier, police said at least four men died in fighting after a march by thousands of pro-Kiev supporters was attacked by Russian sympathizers. Molotov cocktails, explosives and paving stones were thrown during the clashes.
The violence was the worst in Odessa since President Viktor Yanukovich was driven from office in February.
The fire came hours after Ukraine's president said that "many" pro-Russian rebels had been killed or wounded in a crackdown by Ukrainian troops in eastern city of Slovyansk, which had been held for days by separatists.
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