Death Toll from Gas Explosion in Novosibirsk Reaches 13

In Novosibirsk, Russia, the death toll from a domestic gas explosion in a five-story residential building has risen to 13, according to TASS, citing emergency services. An emergency services employee confirmed, "The number of deceased has reached 13." Earlier, the Novosibirsk regional health ministry had reported 12 deaths following the collapse of the building due to the explosion.

The explosion occurred in the morning of February 9 in a five-story apartment building in Novosibirsk. Two entrances to the building were destroyed, and a strong fire broke out as a result of the incident. Alexander Kurenkov, head of the Russian emergency services, has arrived in Novosibirsk to oversee the ongoing rescue operations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the event as a tragedy and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. A day of mourning has been declared in the Novosibirsk region on February 10. The region’s governor, Andrey Travnikov, extended his sympathies to those who have lost loved ones and wished a swift recovery to the injured.