The Philippine Embassy in Moscow said no Filipino was among the fatalities of the explosion in an apartment building in Magnitogorsk, Chelyabinsk Oblast, where eight people were killed and over two dozen others are still missing.
In an advisory posted at the embassy’s official page on Wednesday, Ambassador Carlos Sorreta extended sympathies to the Russian government and to the families of the victims.
“We also hope and pray for the quick recovery of those injured and for the safety of the first responders and recovery teams,” he said.
Sorreta said eight persons had been confirmed dead and more than 30 others have been reported missing due to the suspected gas explosion, which took place 1,700 km. away from the capital.
According to reports, the blast happened before dawn on Dec. 31 when the block’s tenants were asleep.
On Tuesday, Russian emergency services rescued an 11-month-old infant from the rubble, about 35 hours after the 10-storey building’s collapse.
The embassy, meanwhile, continues to “closely monitor” the situation.