We sabotaged Russian power plant, say rebels

Chechen rebels claimed today they sabotaged Russia's largest hydro-electric power plant, where an explosion is feared to have killed more than 70 workers.

As prime minister Vladimir Putin admitted there was little chance that 49 workers still missing would be found alive, a rebel group posted its claim on a website.

But Chechen rebels have a history of claiming responsibility for Russian industrial accidents, and there has been little chance so far of verifying the latest claim.

Mr Putin today visited the scene and promised compensation for the families of victims of Monday's blast at the plant in Siberia.

The cause of the incident is unclear, but officials pointed to a faulty turbine and ruled out terrorism. So far, 26 bodies have been recovered.

Mr Putin's visit came as Chechen suicide bombers killed at least four police officers in separate attacks in the provincial capital Grozny.