News In Brief

Soviets say Nevada A-blast shows US violating rules

The Soviet news agency Tass said that an underground nuclear blast in Nevada Wednesday showed Washington was not adhering to agreements on subterranean atomic weapons tests.

The test, in a tunnel about 1,170 feet beneath the rocky surface of Rainier Mesa northwest of Las Vegas, caused a cave-in of the desert floor which injured at least 12 people.

An Energy Department announcement said the test had a yield of less than 20 kilotons, but Tass alleged there was evidence it was actually several times greater.

The test was new evidence that ''the US violates the letter and spirit and the treaties and agreements signed by it on the limitation of arms . . . ,'' Tass said.