According to unconfirmed reports, the meteorite was intercepted by an air defense unit which blew it to pieces at an altitude of 20 kilometers.

Several buildings were damaged, and hundreds injured from broken glass, as the explosion shattered thousands of windows and shook the ground. Brightly burning rocks could be seen for hundreds of kilometres as they crashed to earth, and there was widespread panic.

Over 100 people have been confirmed injured so far by flying glass from the explosions. 

One eyewitness Gulnara Dudka, told the Siberian Times:

“What was it? People said it was a plane that fell and exploded,” she said. “I saw a bright blast from behind me. Everything was lit up, very bright light.

“It was like from Armageddon movie when the meteorite rain started, I really thought it was like doomsday. It was so scary especially the explosion. It was very strong. I am speechless. It was so strong. My camera couldn’t reproduce how strong the bang was.”

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