Death toll rises in gas explosion in Cherkessk; nine injured

Number of victims mounts as authorities work to determine the cause of the deadly incident

Emergency services and local officials continue to respond to the aftermath of the explosion and provide assistance to those affected

The death toll from a gas explosion in Cherkessk, Russia, has risen to seven, according to local authorities. Nine people were also injured in the incident, which occurred on Monday morning in a residential building.

Emergency services and local officials are still working to determine the cause of the explosion, but initial reports suggest it may have been caused by a gas leak. The building has been evacuated and residents are being provided with temporary housing.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in this tragic incident," said a spokesperson for the local government. "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.

• The explosion occurred in a residential building in Cherkessk, Russia.
• The death toll has risen to seven, with nine people injured.
• The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest it may have been caused by a gas leak.
• The building has been evacuated and residents are being provided with temporary housing.

The explosion is the latest in a series of deadly incidents involving gas leaks in Russia. In 2018, a gas explosion in the city of Magnitogorsk killed 39 people and injured dozens more.

The Russian government has pledged to improve safety regulations and crack down on illegal gas connections in the wake of these incidents. However, experts say that more needs to be done to prevent future tragedies.