On the morning of August 22, a domestic gas explosion rocked an apartment building in Kizel, Perm Territory, leading to significant emergency response efforts. The explosion, reported around 11:30 local time, resulted in the collapse of a ceiling on the fourth floor, prompting the evacuation of 26 residents, including three children. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, but one individual sustained moderate injuries and is being transferred to a burn center in Perm for treatment. The local Ministry of Emergency Situations dispatched 31 rescuers and 12 pieces of equipment to the scene to assist in the emergency response.
Governor Dmitry Makhonin is closely monitoring the situation, having established a regional operational headquarters to coordinate the response. Emergency services, including the prosecutor's office, are on-site to provide assistance and gather information about the incident. The Investigative Committee of Russia has also initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion, focusing on potential negligence related to safety standards in gas services.
This incident follows another significant gas explosion that occurred on August 1 in Nizhny Tagil, where a gas-air mixture explosion caused the collapse of two entrances in a five-story apartment building. In that incident, 70 residents were evacuated, and a temporary accommodation center was established. Witnesses reported a persistent smell of gas in the area prior to the explosion, raising concerns about safety and the adequacy of prior gas maintenance work.
Both incidents have prompted questions about gas safety protocols in residential buildings across the region, highlighting the urgent need for thorough inspections and preventive measures to ensure the safety of residents.
