Death toll climbs to 11 in Russia’s Dagestan gas station explosion

The death toll from an explosion at a gas station in Makhachkala, the administrative center of Russia’s Dagestan region, has risen to 11, according to the country’s Emergency Situations Ministry on Saturday.

The ministry reported that rescue teams have saved another victim from the rubble.

Special equipment is currently being deployed to clear the debris, while the fire ignited by the explosion has been extinguished.

In response to the incident, the Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal investigation into possible safety violations.

Dagestan authorities have declared September 28 a day of mourning to honor the victims of the explosion.