State news agency Tass reported that at least eight people were killed in a fire in an office building near Moscow.
Local governor Andrey Vorobyov wrote on social media that some people could still be trapped inside the burning building in Fryazino, about 25km northeast of the capital.
Online footage showed thick smoke rising from the upper floors of the eight-story complex. In some videos, people could be seen standing by windows, while local media said some people jumped from upper floors.
According to state news agency Tass, this building was once the headquarters of the Platan Research Institute and the defense industry.
However, a statement sent to the agency from Ruselectronics, a Russian-owned electronics organization, said the building had been privately owned since the 1990s.
Mr. Vorobyov said eight emergency teams are trying to rescue people still trapped in the building.
He added that a 34-year-old man was taken to hospital in serious condition, while two firefighters were also being treated for injuries sustained in the fire.
Emergency Ministry officials said more than 100 experts and two helicopters were working to fight the fire.
The cause of the fire is unknown, but a witness told Tass that the fire broke out on the 6th floor before spreading.
This is an evolving story. Check back here for updates.
