At least six injured in explosion in key Russian industrial city (VIDEO)
The blast caused the partial collapse of a residential building in Nizhny Tagil, destroying some 15 apartments
A suspected household gas explosion has caused part of a five-story apartment block in the city of Nizhny Tagil in Russia’s Urals to collapse, the Emergencies Ministry said on Thursday.
The ministry reported that three people have been pulled from the rubble and others may still be trapped. Residents are being evacuated while rescue crews work at the scene.
The collapse of the building’s first and second sections, which destroyed some 15 apartments, is believed to have been caused by a gas-air mixture explosion, the ministry said, noting that there was no fire following the blast.
The Emergencies Ministry has shared a video of the rescue operation.
The ministry said that over 150 emergency workers are involved in the search and rescue operation at the scene. Dog handlers are also on their way, and air rescue crews are on standby.
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Nizhny Tagil Mayor Vladislav Pinaev has reported that 7 people have been injured in the incident, including five children, and that two adults have been hospitalized.
Previously, he also told the media that all of those affected by the tragedy will receive psychological and material support.