Tragedy in Ural Mountains: Gas Explosion Leads to Apartment Block Collapse

At least four people died and dozens are feared trapped after a gas explosion led to the collapse of an apartment block in Russia's Ural Mountains. Fifteen people have been rescued so far. The Russian Emergencies Ministry suspects the explosion of a natural gas tank as the cause.

At least four people perished after an apartment block in Russia's Ural Mountains collapsed due to a gas explosion, the Russian Emergencies Ministry confirmed on Friday. Rescuers have saved 15 individuals, but many more are feared trapped under the debris.

Photos from the scene, in Nizhny Tagil, depict a significant portion of the five-story prefab building flattened. Preliminary reports suggest the explosion of a natural gas tank as the likely cause. Witnesses from nearby blocks recounted hearing a loud blast shortly before the collapse on Thursday. Rescue operations, involving heavy machinery and over 500 emergency personnel, continued on Friday, with 15 people, including seven children and a cat, pulled to safety. Most of the survivors were hospitalized, with one girl in serious condition, health officials stated.

Russian law enforcement has initiated a criminal investigation into the incident, focusing on possible health and safety violations.