A gas explosion has severely damaged a four-story residential building in the city of Kizel, located in Perm Krai, Russia, the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations reported on Telegram.
The blast occurred on Lenin Street and caused the floors between the third and fourth levels of the building to collapse.
Rescue workers have pulled at least one man from the rubble, who was then hospitalized.
Local sources, including the Baza Telegram channel, indicated that two people were injured and two apartments were destroyed in the explosion.
Following the incident, a total of 26 residents, including three children, were evacuated from the building. The local prosecutor’s office has pledged to oversee the temporary accommodation of the displaced residents and ensure they receive the necessary support.
As of now, the exact number of casualties remains unclear, with the city’s mayor, Andrei Rodygin, stating that the situation is still being assessed as the debris continues to be cleared.
The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case, citing "provision of services that do not meet safety requirements," which resulted in "serious harm" due to negligence.
Investigators are actively working at the scene to determine the full circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Local media reports that the building, which is 63 years old, contains 32 apartments and spans a total area of just over 1,200 square meters.
