Five people were killed and eleven others hospitalized following an apartment explosion, apparently caused by a gas leak, in the Armenian town of Chambarak.

According to Axar.az, the Rescue Service reported that the blast occurred in a third-floor apartment on Tigran Mets Street in Gegharkunik Province, leading to a structural collapse that brought down apartments on the fourth, third, and second floors.

More than 280 rescuers and police officers took part in the search and rescue operation.

Authorities are currently assessing the needs of affected residents and working to deal with the aftermath of the incident.