Video: Explosion Rocks Shopping Center, Casualties Reported in Russia

An explosion in the city of Apcheronsk, Krasnodar Krai, has severely damaged nearly the entire building of a shopping center with an area of 100 square meters, according to the Russian Ministry of Emergencies. The cause of the incident has been identified as a gas explosion.

The fire has now been extinguished, but emergency services have reported that they have rescued one person from the rubble. Local media suggest this may be an employee of a pharmacy located in the shopping center.

The Ministry of Emergencies has stated that there are casualties following the explosion; however, the exact number has not been disclosed. Operational services report that at least 14 people have been injured, and there may still be individuals trapped under the debris. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.