At least six dead in domestic gas explosion in Russia

At least six people have died in a gas explosion in an apartment block in the southern Russian city of Saratov

The civil defence authorities on Friday said at least one child is among the dead. Emergency services have rescued one person from the rubble of the building, and more are believed to be trapped.

Four people are missing and 16 were injured.

The blast destroyed the stairwell from the seventh to the 10th floor of the building and damaged windows in the neighbouring building. Residents of both buildings were taken to safety.

The governor of the region, Roman Busargin, declared a regional state of emergency.

Gas pipe explosions in residential buildings are a frequent occurrence in Russia, causing severe damage and casualties. Dilapidated pipes or poor maintenance of infrastructure are often cited as the cause.