Tragedy in the Urals: Gas Explosion Claims Lives in Nizhny Tagil

A gas explosion in an apartment block in Russia's Ural Mountains resulted in 10 fatalities, including five children. Fifteen people were rescued. The blast caused a partial building collapse in Nizhny Tagil. A search and rescue operation, involving over 550 workers, concluded on Saturday, prompting a criminal investigation and a day of mourning.

A gas explosion caused a partial collapse of an apartment block in Russia's Ural Mountains, leading to the deaths of 10 people, including five children, Russia's Emergency Ministry announced Saturday.

The devastating incident in the city of Nizhny Tagil saw 15 individuals, among them seven children, rescued from the rubble. Russian news agencies published images of the leveled five-story building.

The explosion, likely triggered by a natural gas tank, was heard by neighboring residents just before the collapse on Thursday. The rescue mission involved heavy machinery and over 550 emergency workers. Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into potential health and safety lapses and declared a day of mourning.

(With inputs from agencies.)