Upadek meteorytu w Rosji 15.02.2013

A flaming meteorite crashed to the earth on Friday, injuring hundreds and reportedly prompting fears of an alien invasion.In scenes reminiscent of a Hollywood blockbuster, a series of explosions rocked the skies above the Urals and sparked panic in the three major cities of Chelyabinsk, Yekaterinburg and Tyumen.Witnesses described how buildings shook, glass shattered and cellphones and internet connections stopped working. Amateur footage was also posted of the object causing windows to break before crashing into a wall at a zinc factory. Around 400 people are believed to have suffered minor injuries, mainly due to broken glass, while initial radiation levels were normal. Testing will continue throughout the day, officials said.Russia Today published unconfirmed reports that the meteorite was blown to pieces by a missile salvo from an air defense unit at the Urzhumka settlement near Chelyabinsk while at an altitude of 20 km. The channel also said that some onlookers thought a UFO was responsible for the spectacle.Russia's Emergency Ministry reported that 20,000 rescue workers were operating in the area to help alleviate any impact from the incident, and three aircraft were surveying the area to prioritize efforts. "According to preliminary data, the flashes seen over the Urals were caused by [a] meteorite shower," the Emergency Ministry told Itar-Tass news agency.