Slovakia explosion: Seven killed in blast in apartment building

A gas explosion in an apartment building in eastern Slovakia has killed seven people.

Firefighters and local officials in the city of Presov announced the death toll and added that one person is still missing.

The explosion occurred towards the top of the 12-storey building on Friday.

The entire top half of the building was on fire and the top three floors were destroyed, firefighters said.

Rescuers said some 40 people were injured.

More than 100 firefighters tackled the blaze.

The flamers were finally fully extinguished on Saturday morning.

Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, who visited the site late on Friday, said the building is so damaged that it is possible it will have to be demolished.

People in surrounding homes also had to be evacuated.

Reporting by agencies.