A powerful gas explosion rocked a shopping center in Apsheronsk, Krasnodar Krai, Russia, on July 22, 2024, at approximately 7:55 am local time. The blast caused significant structural damage, resulting in the collapse of approximately 100 square meters of the building and triggering a fire that spread across 30 square meters.Initial reports from various sources indicate that between 4 to 15 people were injured in the incident. The discrepancy in the number of injured may be due to ongoing rescue efforts and the evolving nature of the situation. Many of the injured were reportedly standing at a nearby bus stop when the explosion occurred.Emergency services, including firefighters and rescue teams, responded swiftly to the scene. According to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, 28 specialists and 10 units of equipment are currently working to clear the rubble and secure the area. The fire was localized and extinguished within about 10 minutes of the emergency response.Alexei Perebereev, the head of the Apsheronsk district, reported that one person was rescued from the rubble. The building housed various businesses, including a pharmacy and several shops.The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest a household gas leak may be responsible. In response to the incident, the prosecutor’s office of Krasnodar Krai has launched an investigation into compliance with fire safety regulations.Governor Venedict Kondratiev commented on the incident, stating that a trading row on one of the main streets in Apsheronsk was destroyed. Local authorities have temporarily closed the affected street and surrounding areas to facilitate emergency operations.This incident comes just days after a separate gas explosion at a pump station in Volgograd on July 20, which resulted in five fatalities, highlighting ongoing concerns about gas safety in the region.
Key points
- A gas explosion occurred in a shopping center in Apsheronsk, Krasnodar Krai, Russia, on July 22, 2024.
- The blast caused significant structural damage and a fire, injuring between 4 to 15 people.
- Emergency services responded quickly, with 28 specialists and 10 units of equipment working at the scene.
- Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion and compliance with fire safety regulations.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports about the number of people injured, ranging from 4 to 15.
👾Some sources describe the affected building as a shopping center, while others specify it as a pharmacy or a row of shops.
