Devastating blast in Belarus's Gomel leaves half a family dead

A powerful explosion rocked the village of Lugovaya Virnya in Zhlobin District, Gomel Region, Belarus killing a father and his two small children and leaving the rest of the family devastated.

According to preliminary investigation, the explosion was caused by an oxygen cylinder that detonated in the yard of a private house, Caliber.Az reports via Belarus media.

The Belarusian Investigative Committee (IC) confirmed the tragic loss of a 35-year-old man and his two children, aged 1 and 3.

The man's wife and their 6-year-old son suffered severe injuries and were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Authorities added that the couple had four children, but their eldest child was in Zhlobin at the time of the explosion and was unharmed.

Law enforcement officers are working to establish the exact cause of the explosion. Forensic specialists and investigators from the Gomel Region IC have been deployed to examine the scene and gather evidence.

“Investigators, along with experts, are conducting a thorough examination of the scene. Employees from the criminalistics department and the investigative team of the IC in Gomel Region have been dispatched to the site of the tragedy,” the agency's statement read.

Authorities continue their investigation as the community mourns the loss of a young family, with hopes for the survival and recovery of the injured mother and child.

By Tamilla Hasanova