Gas blast kills seven in Russia

A gas explosion in the Siberian city of Irkutsk tore through a wooden residential building, killing seven people, including a child.

News agencies and state television said a household gas canister exploded in the two-story building early today.

Seven of the 36 tenants were killed in the blast and ensuing fire, which completely destroyed the building.

Footage shown on Channel One television showed firefighters hosing down the building’s smoking, charred remains.

Fire safety is considered poor in many of Russia’s dilapidated buildings.

Last year more than 15,000 people died in more than 200,000 reported blazes.