Kazakhstan: Three killed after explosion rocks 16-storey building  

Karaganda: Three people have been killed while one sustained serious injuries following an explosion in a 16-storey apartment block in Karaganda. 

According to the local emergency department, the explosion occurred on the eighth floor of the residential building at around 09:29pm. 

When rescuers arrived, an apartment on the 8th floor was engulfed in flames. 

The fire was localized at 10:55pm. Reportedly, 88 people and 23 specialized vehicles were involved in extinguishing the fire and rescue operation. 

The bodies of three people were found in the burning apartment. 

A man was taken to a hospital with injuries, after falling from the 8th-floor balcony, said officials. 

Preliminary investigations suggested that a gas explosion caused the fire. However, experts say no gas appliances were found in the burning apartment. 

Authorities stated that the heating systems were not broken. Hence, the cause of the fire is being investigated.