MOSCOW, February 1 - RAPSI. The criminal case on the 2009 Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power station accident, which claimed the lives of 75 people, will not be ceased due to the expiration of the statute of limitations, Vladimir Markin, Investigative Committee's official spokesperson, said on Wednesday.

The case was initiated for "violation of the labor protection rules," but the statute of limitations for such crimes is two years and has already expired. This is why the Prosecutor General's Office requested additional investigation.

"The criminal case is being prosecuted. During the additional investigation new charges will be brought against the defendants: "safety rules violation in carrying out mining, construction and other works which resulted in the death of two or more persons" - and now there are no grounds to stop the prosecution," Markin said.

The accident at the plant occurred on August 17, 2009 when a turbine broke apart. Both the turbine hall and the engine room were flooded. Three turbines were destroyed and all the other turbines were damaged. The plant consequently ceased operations.