A nine-storey residential block in Izhevsk, central Russia, has partly collapsed following reports of an explosion. A total of 32 apartments were destroyed.
The Interfax news agency has reported that at least two bodies have been recovered from the scene. It is believed that dozens could still be trapped under the rubble, and an emergency operation is ongoing.
#Ижевск.
Полностью обрушился подъезд жилого дома. Под завалом люди. По непроверенным данным внизу находился детский центр “Эрудит”. Информация не точная. pic.twitter.com/F22J96eTWX— BzdyszekDzapadłowski (@BzdDzapadlowski) November 9, 2017
В жилом доме Ижевска произошёл взрыв. Обрушился угол дома на 10 лет Октября — Удмуртскойhttps://t.co/j1ZxtuOD6i#Ижевск #взрыв pic.twitter.com/qKdVWetWhH
— ИА Сусанин (@susaninudm) November 9, 2017
A gas explosion is considered to be the most likely cause. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion just before the building collapsed.
More follows…