At least four people have died after a gas explosion caused an apartment block to collapse in Nizhny Tagil, a city in Russia’s Ural Mountains, according to the Russian Emergencies Ministry.
The explosion, likely caused by a natural gas tank, resulted in the partial destruction of the five-story building.
Rescue efforts, involving over 500 emergency workers and heavy equipment, have so far led to the rescue of 15 people, including seven children, and even a cat.
Most of those rescued are hospitalized, with one girl in serious condition. Russian law enforcement has initiated a criminal investigation into the incident, focusing on potential health and safety violations.
Peoplesmind