According to RT, the accident occurred at the University of Information Technology, Mechanical and Applied Science on the afternoon of February 16 while classes were taking place. Local media said that about 21 people may be trapped under the rubble.
Emergency agencies later confirmed that 86 people were evacuated safely from the building, and no bodies were found during the rescue process. Principal Vladimir Vasylyev said that no one was left behind.
Images from the scene show a hole in the ceiling. The photos are believed to be taken inside the university, showing a dense corridor of dust and mortar, with severely damaged ceilings.
The moment the ceiling collapsed seemed to be captured by a camera. An online video shows the ceiling of a cracked floor and a plaque falling. When the disaster occurred, the camera operator continued filming and only ran away when the ceiling collapsed and the power was cut off.
The incident may have been due to construction at the building, where the upper floors had partially collapsed.
The Russian Investigative Committee said a criminal investigation into the collapse had begun.
Deputy Governor of St. Petersburg, Aleksandr Beglov told reporters on February 16, other than the cause of the repair, there was no other cause that could cause the collapse.
