A fire brigade arrived at the scene just four minutes after the call. The explosion triggered a fire that engulfed furniture and personal belongings. Rescuers evacuated five residents from the upper floors using a stairway, while some people managed to escape to the street on their own, and others were led out by police.
A warming station was organized for those evacuated.
According to the latest information, eight people were injured, including five police officers. All of them were taken to the hospital. The fire was extinguished over an area of 40 square meters, as specified in the official statement.
Currently, the causes and details of the incident are being established.
According to the regional police department, a report of a gas smell in the building was received at number 102. The explosion occurred at the moment when the police officers, who arrived at the scene, began evacuating residents before the rescuers arrived.
A criminal case has been opened in connection with the fire. A 40-year-old suspect has been detained and is currently under guard in a specialized ward of the Shakhtinsk city hospital. After his recovery, he will be placed in a temporary detention facility, the department reported.
A full and impartial investigation is underway.
