37 dead in Russian building collapse

At least 37 people have died after a residential building collapsed here earlier this week, authorities said on Thursday.

A spokesperson from the Russian Emergencies Ministry confirmed the death toll, Sputnik reported.

On December 31 last year, a natural gas blast hit a section of a block of flats in Magnitogorsk city, leading to the destruction of 35 apartments and causing damage to 10 others.

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations are underway, as dozens of people are feared to be trapped under the rubble.

The Russian government have taken cognisance and are monitoring the situation.

A day of mourning for those killed in the collapse was declared on Wednesday.