Russia opens criminal case against Arctic city mayor over fuel spill

Russia's Investigative Committee said on Thursday it was investigating the head of the remote Arctic city of Norilsk for suspected criminal negligence over his handling of a major oil spill in the region. In a statement, investigators said the official had failed to take appropriate measures to respond after more than 21,000 tonnes of oil products spilled out of a power station late last month.

A fuel tank at a power station in the city of Norilsk lost pressure in late May and leaked tonnes of diesel into rivers and subsoil. President Vladimir Putin declared a state of emergency in the region last week and criticized authorities for a bungled response to the incident.