At least 37 people have died after a residential building collapsed following a suspected gas blast, authorities said on Thursday.

The death toll was confirmed by a spokesperson from the Russian Emergencies Ministry. On Monday, a natural gas blast hit a section of a block of flats in Magnitogorsk city, leading to the destruction of 48 apartments and causing damage to 10 others.

On Tuesday, rescuers found a 10-month-old baby alive in the rubble calling the boy's survival a miracle.

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations are underway, as dozens of people are feared to be trapped under the rubble. The Russian government have taken cognisance and are monitoring the situation. A day of mourning for those killed in the collapse was declared on Wednesday.