The aftermath of a deadly building collapse in southern Russia.<br/> <br />This nine-storey apartment block in the city of Astrakhan collapsed after a gas explosion.<br/> <br />Six people have died, and another four are still missing.<br/> <br />Hundreds of workers are combing through the rubble, desperately searching for survivors, and possibly bodies.<br/> <br />The explosion apparently took place on a lower floor, causing the rest of the building to come crashing down.<br/> <br />A local news agency reported that 26 people have been rescued, five of whom are being treated in hospital.<br/> <br />Local authorities have opened a criminal investigation into what caused the blast.<br/> <br />Travis Brecher, Reuters
