Several Dead after gas explosion in a Russian tower block

After the gas explosion in a tower block in the Russian city of Magnitogorsk rescuers search in the rubble for Missing people. At least four people were killed. President Putin traveled to the city in the Urals.

In the case of a gas explosion in a block from the Soviet period, were killed on new year's eve morning in Russia-at least four people. Rescue workers feared that many of the inhabitants under the rubble of the collapsed building in the industry could city of Magnitogorsk in the Urals spilled.

In a race against time and the freezing cold rescuers dug in the rubble for trapped. So far, the fate of about 35 people according to the authorities, nor the unknown. First of all, the authorities had spoken of, 80 Missing, this number has been corrected in the meantime to the bottom.

twelve-storey tower block

In 1973 and built a twelve-story concrete were used to 1100 people. Also parts of the residential blocks were classified as being at-risk of collapse, the people had to leave their accommodation. Many are now in cold winter weather without a home. The temperature in the city is to fall in the new year night to below minus 20 degrees. In a nearby school, emergency hostels were built.

The scene of the incident in Magnitogorsk

The judiciary initiated after the Explosion a criminal investigation. In Russia, it always comes back to gas explosions. Many of the buildings date from the Soviet era and are in poor condition, often, safety rules are not adhered to.

President Putin on the scene of the incident

President Vladimir Putin arrived in the city to talk to Survivors and rescuers. He flight put broke for the short notice of his new year's day in Sochi on the Black sea.

in Magnitogorsk, a large industrial city in the Ural mountains, it houses the largest steel plant in the country. Staff were also involved in the Salvage operation. The billionaire Viktor Raschnikow, which operates the steel mill, called for a joint effort. "We share the pain," he explained.