Russian gas explosion injures 22

MAKHACHKALA, Russia, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- An explosion in the Mozdok-Gazimagomed gas pipeline in southern Russia has injured 22 people, the Interfax-South news agency reported Thursday.

Two representatives of the Dagestani Emergency Situations Ministry and two representatives of the Dagestani Interior Ministry were among the injured, a source in the southern regional center of the Russian Ministry of Civil Defense, Emergencies and Natural Disasters told Interfax.

The Dagestan Republican Hospital's burn center is treating eight patients with first and second degree burns from the fire, the official told the news agency.

The damage is estimated at 5 million rubles or around $180,000, the Dagestani Interior Ministry press service told Interfax.