MOSCOW - At least two people were killed and some 15 others injured in a fire caused by a gas explosion in Moscow region Monday, according to local media reports.

Citing emergency authorities, the reports said two bodies were recovered from the rubble and they are being identified.

According to the reports, the gas explosion occurred at 15:45 Moscow time (1145 GMT) in a five-storey apartment building in Russian city of Bronnitsy and caused fire in the building. The fire soon spread from six apartments to some 30 apartments.  

The 15 injured people have been hospitalized, other residents in the building were evacuated by firefighters and rescuers.

According to rescuers, some people could remain under the rubble when a section of the building between the third and fourth floors collapsed due to the explosion.

Governor of the Moscow region Boris Gromov arrived at the scene and promised that the residents who lost their dwellings would be given temporary housings within hours.

Bronnitsy Mayor Gennady Pestov told reporters that the gas explosion may be caused by neglect, as "it looks like someone forgot to turn off the stove."

An investigation into the accident is underway.