Two dead, at least 12 injured in explosion in key Russian industrial city (VIDEO)

A suspected household gas explosion has caused part of a five-story apartment block in the city of Nizhny Tagil in Russia’s Urals to collapse, the Emergencies Ministry said on Thursday.

The ministry has reported that a number of people have been pulled from under the rubble while several others are still trapped. Residents are being evacuated while rescue crews work at the scene.

The collapse of the building’s first and second sections, which destroyed some 15 apartments, is believed to have been caused by a gas-air mixture explosion, the ministry said, noting that there was no fire following the blast.

The Emergencies Ministry has shared a video of the rescue operation. According to its latest information, 2 people are confirmed to have been killed in the incident and another 12 people have been injured in the incident, including six children.

The ministry said that over 150 emergency workers are involved in the search and rescue operation at the scene. Dog handlers are also on their way, and air rescue crews are on standby.

Media reports have claimed, citing sources within emergency services, that as many as 8 people are still trapped under the rubble.

Nizhny Tagil Mayor Vladislav Pinaev has told the media that all of those affected by the tragedy will receive psychological and material support.

The city of Nizhny Tagil, located over 1,000km east of Moscow, is home to the Uralvagonzavod factory - one of the largest main battle tank manufacturers in the world.