The Lipetsk Region investigating bodies of the Russia’s Investigative Committee have launched a criminal investigation in a gas explosion in a house as a crime under article 216 of the RF Penal Code (violation of safety standards during construction or other work) and article 109 (reckless homicide).

According to investigators, in the afternoon of 24 October 2014, a gas explosion happened in a five-floor block of flats in Michurin Street in the town of Dankov. At present rescuers are removing the debris, they have found bodies of a woman and a man. According to preliminary reports, repairs had been going on in a flat and the cause of the explosion might have been gross safety breach while working with a gas tank.

Investigators and officials of criminalistics office of the Lipetsk Region Investigations Directorate are working at the scene. Initial investigation is underway to find out all the circumstances of the incident and identify persons involved.