On February 15, 2013, a meteorite exploded over the southern Ural Mountain region of Chelyabinsk, Russia, injuring over a thousand, damaging buildings, and producing shock waves that blew out windows in many homes. Local Witness elders quickly mobilized to contact all of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in the affected area. At least nine of Jehovah’s Witnesses, including one child, received cuts from flying glass. Also, one house of worship and 75 residences were slightly damaged. Local Witnesses are working to assist efforts to clear damage and debris.

Media Contacts:

International: J. R. Brown, Office of Public Information, tel. +1 718 560 5000

Russia: Grigory Martynov, tel. +7 812 702 2691