Rescuers began removing overhanging sections from the upper floor of a residential building in Novosibirsk following a gas explosion on February 9. The information comes from TASS, citing the press service of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. The aim of the structural removal was to create a safer path for search operations and to improve the chances of locating any victims trapped inside.
Early reports describe a powerful blast that triggered a fire and caused part of the five-story building to collapse. Several entrances were compromised, and emergency crews worked through the night to assess damage and control the blaze. The latest updates indicate that three people lost their lives due to the explosion, and about fifty residents were evacuated from the building. Eight people remain unaccounted for, with rescuers continuing to search for signs of life beneath the rubble.
According to the latest information from TASS, residents had repeatedly complained about a persistent gas odor both inside their apartments and at the building entrance. Despite these warnings, investigators and officials face questions about whether appropriate preventive measures were taken to address the risk and prevent the disaster. The incident underscores the dangers of gas leaks in urban housing and highlights the importance of timely detection, reporting, and action to safeguard residents.
Officials have confirmed that two children are among those affected by the blast. The disaster response is coordinated by the regional emergency services, alongside local authorities, to manage rescue operations, assess structural stability, and provide support to displaced families as the situation develops. The incident has drawn agency attention to the procedures for inspecting gas infrastructure within multi-story residential complexes and the effectiveness of routine gas-safety interventions.