Explosion rocks apartment building in Russia's Volgograd region PHOTO

A powerful explosion has struck an apartment building on Lenin Street in Petrov Val, Volgograd Region, Russia.

According to local outlet Vesti VLG, the blast, described as a “loud bang,” was heard across much of the town. Emergency services, including firefighters, medical teams, and law enforcement, quickly arrived at the scene.

The building sustained significant damage: windows were shattered throughout nearly all entrances, and one apartment on the top floor was completely destroyed. Eyewitnesses report that the epicentre of the explosion was on the fifth floor.

“One apartment was literally blown apart,” said a local resident. “We heard people being pulled from the rubble. They say a grandmother and her granddaughter lived there… it seems they didn’t make it out.”

Authorities have not yet released an official cause for the explosion. Residents suspect a gas leak, but this has not been confirmed by emergency services. Specialists continue to clear the debris and assess the building’s condition.

By Vugar Khalilov