Death toll from gas blast in Novosibirsk climbs to five

The number of fatalities caused by a gas explosion in a five-story residential building in Novosibirsk has increased to five, the emergency services told TASS on Thursday.

"Rescue workers have just recovered a fifth body," a representative of the emergency services said.

As the regional deputy health minister said, as of 13:00 local time (09:00 Moscow time), nine people were injured in the blast. "Ambulances took them to medical facilities in Novosibirsk. Out of nine injured, two are in intensive care," the official added.

An explosion in a residential building in Novosibirsk occurred at 07:43 (03:43 Moscow time) on Thursday, resulting in two sections of the building collapsing and a fire engulfing about 300 square meters. According to preliminary data by the emergency services, the blast was triggered by a gas leak.