MOSCOW, December 31. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev expressed condolences to the relatives and friends of those who died in a gas explosion in a house in Russia’s Urals city of Magnitogorsk, the government’s press service said on Monday.

"The head of government Dmitry Medvedev offered condolences to the relatives and friends of those who died in a gas blast in a house in Magnitogorsk," the statement said.

Earlier, Russian Emergencies Minister Yevgeny Zinichev and Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova reported to Medvedev about the rescue and search effort. Medvedev stressed that the government would take all necessary measures to provide assistance to the victims.

The gas explosion hit an apartment building in downtown Magnitogorsk early on Monday, causing the collapse of an entrance hall. According to the latest data, four people were killed, five were hospitalized and the fate of 68 people is unknown. Two people remain in serious condition.