Dozens of people killed in Odessa as Trade Union goes up in flames (UPDATES, VIDEO)

The Interior Ministry reports that at least 31 people died in the fire, a majority of whom suffocated. Some died in a desperate attempt to escape after leaping from the building’s meters-high windows. The Odessa city website, meanwhile, reports that 41 were killed and another 123 injured, according to its preliminary findings.

The blaze began after pro-Russian separatists clashed with activists partaking in a rally filled with supporters for a united Ukraine. The rival groups hurled cobblestones, smoke grenades and Molotov cocktails at each other. 

A mob shouted “Glory to Ukraine” and “Death to enemies” as the building burned with people inside.