Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a telegram of condolence to President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao over the massive deaths of people as a result of a natural gas explosion on the Chuandongbei Field.

The message reads in part:

"We are shocked by news of the tragic event, an explosion on the gas field in Kaixian County in Sichuan Province, which entailed a considerable loss of life. On behalf of the Russian people and on my own behalf I express deeply-felt condolences and sincere sympathy to you and through you to all those injured and the surviving families."