According to Svetlana Grebenkova, head of the city district, the explosion caused significant damage. Seven apartments were severely damaged, 41 windows in residential units of six neighboring buildings and 104 windows in entryways were blown out. Additionally, the glazing of 40 windows at Secondary School No. 6, located near the scene, was damaged.
Due to the damage to the educational institution and to ensure the safety of students, the LPR Ministry of Education and Science has decided to temporarily switch classes to remote learning. Emergency services are continuing to dismantle the building's structures at the scene. Specialists are preparing materials to seal the damaged building's thermal envelope; work will begin immediately after access to the apartments is regained.
Earlier, the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that the explosion, followed by a fire, led to the partial collapse of apartments on the eighth and ninth floors, as well as the attic floor and roof. Two people were killed in the incident.
According to Elena Usacheva, Senior Assistant to the Republic's Prosecutor, RIA Novosti reported that, according to preliminary information, a household gas leak was the cause of the explosion. A criminal case has been opened under the article on the performance of work and provision of services that do not meet safety requirements.
St. Petersburg police detained a pensioner who was storing mephedrone in his garage.