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Gas explosion in Astrakhan kills 2, injures 12, 26 saved, 10 missing

Now five persons are still in hospital

MOSCOW, February 28 (Itar-Tass) —— Two persons were killed and 12 injured in a household gas explosion in a dwelling house in the Russian southern city of Astrakhan. Twentry six people were saved, and ten are still missing, a spokesman for the Russian emergencies ministry cited latest reports early on Tuesday.

“As of 02:00 a.m. Moscow time, fourteen people were hurt in the gas explosion in Astrakhan, of whom two were killed. Seven persons were hospitalized, five received outpatient medical treatment. Now five persons are still in hospital,” the spokesman said.

“After the explosion and partial collapse of the house, a total of 26 people were saved, some of them were taken from under the debris,” the spokesman went on and added that rescue operations are conducted round-the-clock in three shifts.

Earlier, a spokesman for the Southern emergencies centre said that more than 700 people are taking part in rescue operations.

Psychological help is offered to residents of the damaged building and relatives of those killed and missing. Psychologists say people need more information. The hot line is hardly handling numerous telephone calls.

Household gas exploded in the second section of a six-section nine-storey apartment house on Monday. The section collapsed completely. Several apartments in the third section have been damaged.

A criminal case was opened on charges of violating safety rules.

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