MOSCOW -- The death toll from a gas explosion in a high-rise apartment block in the Moscow region has risen to seven.
Emergency officials in the city of Noginsk near Moscow said on September 9 that two more bodies had been recovered by rescue teams.
On September 8, when the explosion destroyed three floors in the nine-story residential building, officials said two persons were found dead at the site while at least five were missing.
Later in the day, rescue teams found three more bodies under the debris. Officials said 17 people were injured.
Personnel from the Emergencies Ministry continue to search for more possible victims.
Authorities in Noginsk announced a three-day mourning period to honor the victims.
Gas explosions occur with some frequency in Russia due to aging pipelines and infrastructure, as well as lax safety standards.