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Fatal Clashes in Ukraine Spark Massive Fires

Riots broke out in the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa on Friday when Ukrainian supporters burned a tent camp of pro-Russian protesters.
Image: Dozens dead in fire after clashes in Odessa
Ukrainian supporters of a 'single Ukraine' burn a tent camp of pro-Russian protesters in front of the Trade Union building in the South-Ukrainian city of Odessa, on May 2.SERGEY GUMENYUK / EPA

Supporters of a single Ukraine burned a tent camp of pro-Russian protesters in front of the Trade Union building in the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa on Friday, where at least 31 people were killed.

Riot police stepped in as the crowds threw flares and light bombs and fired stones in slingshots. Several people were reported killed, but the toll rose sharply after a trade union building was set ablaze.

With flames roaring out of the doors and windows, occupants perched on ledges waiting for help.

Image: People wait to be rescued on an upper storey ledge during a fire at the trade union building in Odessa
People wait to be rescued on an second story ledge during a fire at the Trade Union building in Odessa on Friday.Yevgeny Volokin / Reuters