URGENT: 1died, 11 injured in Shetpe station clashes

ASTANA. December 18. KAZINFORM On Saturday, December 17 at 13:24 by the local time a group of persons blocked the movement of passenger train 309 en route Mangyshlak-Aktove at the Shetpe railway station in Mangystau region.

There were 300 passengers in the train, the press service of the Kazakh General Prosecutor's Office said.

The group urged to voice support to the participants of the mass riots in the town of Zhanaozen.

As a result of the group's actions 7 passenger trains and 3 freight trains were delayed.

Ignoring the calls of officers of the prosecution agency, local police and executive authorities, the participants of the action refused to leave the railway tracks.

The most of the people voluntarily left the station and returned to the village.

However about 50 hooligans showed resistance, burnt the freight train locomotive and threw bottles with flammable liquids into the train. Further they burnt the New Year tree, demolished windows of cars and shop windows in Shetpe village.

Taking into consideration the fact that actions of hooligans threatened the life and health of peaceful citizens and police officers themselves, police had to use weapons.

According to preliminary data, 12 people were taken to Mangustau regional hospital with gunshot wounds. One of them died.

Law enforcement bodies are taking all necessary measures to stop criminal violence, restore law and order and protect the rights of the citizens," the press service of the Prosecutor's Office said.