Argentina declares mourning over Rosario building blast

The Argentine government has declared two days of national mourning for the victims of a deadly gas explosion in a residential building in the city of Rosario on Tuesday, BBC reported.

At least 10 people died and more than 60 were injured, the authorities said. Twelve people are still missing.

The powerful blast destroyed the whole front of the 10-storey apartment block and damaged nearby buildings.

Rescue teams are continuing to search the rubble for survivors.

"We are trying to work without making a sound or creating vibrations that could provoke a collapse of the other buildings," said Rosario Security Secretary Marcos Escajadillo.

Witnesses say the blast, which happened just before 10:00 local time (13:00 GMT), could be heard several kilometres away.

Police closed buildings and schools in a five-block radius.

More than 50 apartments were totally destroyed in the area.

Fire crews rescued dozens of residents from balconies and upper floors.

The government initially announced that 12 people had been killed in the accident, but it has since revised down the figure.

One of the 10 victims has not as yet been identified.