DUSHANBE, December 26, Asia-Plus  -- President Emomali Rahmon yesterday sent a telegram of condolences to his Ukrainian counterpart, Viktor Yushchenko, over an apartment building blast in Yevpatoria that caused numerous casualties, presidential press service reported.

President Rahmon asked to convey his condolences to families and relatives of those who were killed by the building blast.

According to the Ukrainian Emergencies Ministry, the explosion that occurred in an apartment building in southern Ukraine on December 24 killed 24 people.  Emergencies Minister Volodymyr Shandra said 21 people have been rescued.

Two entrances to the five-storey building in Yevpatoria were blocked by falling concrete following the blast.  The cause is unknown, although officials say that gas cylinders may be to blame.

Ukraine President Viktor Yushchenko has declared 26 December a national day of mourning.