Multiple Gas Explosions Affect Five-Story Russian Buildings
Emergency officials reported a devastating domestic gas explosion in Chita that shattered two floors of a residential building. The blast damaged ceilings and left multiple apartments in ruins, according to a statement from the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The incident occurred in a five-story block on Borovaya Street, with the blast reportedly originating on one of the upper floors.
The crisis response highlighted the rapid structural damage inside the building, as ceilings collapsed across several units. Local authorities confirmed the extent of the damage and are continuing to assess the safety of surrounding structures while rescue operations proceed. The event underscores the risk associated with gas systems in densely populated housing and the importance of strict safety measures to prevent future incidents. The report is attributed to the Ministry of Emergency Situations and distributed through TASS.
On February 27, another gas explosion struck a five-story residential building in Ulyanovsk, affecting an apartment on the building’s fifth floor on Efremov Street. The blast left two people injured and prompted emergency responders to initiate search and rescue actions, assess damage, and provide medical care to those affected. The incident is being monitored by regional authorities, and investigators are reviewing the sequence of events to determine the cause and potential safety failures.
Earlier, on February 9, a fatal gas explosion occurred in a five-story residence on the building’s third floor in Novosibirsk. The explosion caused two entrances to collapse and triggered a fire that spread through the structure. In the aftermath, 15 people were reported dead. Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a criminal case under Part 3 of Article 238 of the Criminal Code, which covers providing services that fail to meet safety requirements. Authorities have detained two suspects as part of ongoing investigations and are pursuing additional leads to determine responsibility for the tragedy.
Across these incidents, the pattern points to serious vulnerabilities in building safety and emergency response procedures tied to domestic gas usage. Officials emphasize the need for robust checks of gas lines, leaks, and appliances in older and multi-unit housing. Community safety groups advocate for heightened inspection regimes and clearer communication about evacuation plans. While authorities pursue accountability, families and neighbors cope with the aftermath, awaiting updates from investigators and relief agencies. The coverage highlights how a single gas-related failure can cascade into structural damage, casualties, and long-lasting disruption for residents in major cities such as Chita, Ulyanovsk, and Novosibirsk. [Source: TASS; Ministry of Emergency Situations]