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Death toll following gas explosion in Russia’s Novosibirsk rises to 14

In Russia’s Novosibirsk, 14 people were killed as a result of a gas explosion and the following partial collapse of a five-storey residential building, Russia’s state news agency TASS reports, citing local governor Andrey Travnikov.

Photo: Emergency Services

“Fourteen people were killed, which is, of course, very saddening. Once again, condolences to all relatives and loved ones. However, 14 people were rescued directly from the destruction zone,” Travnikov said.

There is a two-year-old child among the victims. Nine people were injured.

On 9 February, a five-storey residential building in Novosibirsk suffered a gas explosion. Two sectors of the building collapsed.

On 10 February, the Central District Court of Novosibirsk arrested gas workers Irina Urbah and Yevgeny Kavun in connection to the gas explosion.

They were arrested for two months, until 9 April 2023. A criminal case on rendering services that do not meet safety requirements was initiated against them.