A gas explosion in a residential building in southern Russia has resulted in at least five fatalities and left four others injured. The incident occurred early in the morning in the city of Cherkessk, located in the Karachay-Cherkessia region, approximately 1,300 kilometers south of Moscow.
Emergency officials reported that the blast partially destroyed the top two floors of the five-story building. One resident described the terrifying moment, saying, “It was a loud bang. Everything started falling from the ceiling onto my face, including glass. I covered myself with my hands and thought it was a dream.” Her husband was in the next room during the explosion.
Rescue teams are concerned that the remaining structure could collapse, posing further risks to anyone nearby. In response to the tragedy, Russian law enforcement has initiated a criminal investigation, citing suspected safety violations.
Gas explosions in residential buildings are not uncommon in Russia. Earlier this year, another explosion in the Ural Mountains destroyed part of a five-story building, resulting in 11 deaths. According to the Russian state news agency Tass, from the beginning of 2022 to August 2024, there have been at least seven gas explosions in residential buildings, claiming over 50 lives.
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