Valery Khlustikov, 59, and his 32-year-old colleague Anton Starodubtsev were among the first to rush toward danger to help victims after a gas explosion ripped through a multi storey building in Efremov, Tula region. In a discussion with Life, they described the tense moments and their actions during the incident.
Valery explained that they were winding down a shift when the blast struck a five-story structure. When the dust settled, the two saw a ruined entrance and a woman crying out for help. The pair acted without hesitation, moving toward the source of the distress. They navigated through the wreckage to reach a child and the distressed resident trapped beneath debris, pulling the child to safety first and then lifting the adult to a safer position after the blast had knocked her off balance. The harrowing scene unfolded quickly, yet the two men kept their focus on the lives at stake rather than their own safety against the collapsing building.
Valery recalled that fear did not guide his actions in that moment. He spoke about being a grandfather and how a sense of duty and instinct prevailed, insisting that he did not view himself as a hero and suggesting that anyone would respond similarly under such extreme circumstances. The priority was clear: save lives, then deal with the aftermath and recognition would follow or not follow, depending on circumstance.
Shortly after the initial rescue, emergency responders and medical teams arrived on the scene to extend aid to others affected by the explosion. One of the rescuers discovered in critical condition was also freed from the rubble and received immediate medical care on site before being transported for further treatment. This coordinated response underscored the importance of rapid assessment, triage, and medical backup in such dangerous scenarios.
Official reports pointed to a fault in gas equipment as the root cause of the incident. The epicenter was identified on the building’s fourth floor, and authorities subsequently confirmed that the death toll had risen to eight people. In the ensuing hours, teams conducted structural safety checks, debris clearance, and comprehensive searches to locate additional victims while safeguarding the safety of rescuers and nearby residents. The event highlighted the persistent hazards posed by gas-related accidents and showcased the vital role of first responders who operate under highly dangerous conditions to perform life-saving work. The testimony of Valery and Anton provides a candid glimpse into the human element of disaster response, where quick, decisive action can alter the trajectory of a tragedy. (Source: Regional Emergency Service notes, contemporary reporting).