The striking puncture in the earth is believed to be up to 80 metres wide but its depth is not estimated yet. A scientific team has been sent to investigate the hole and is due to arrive at the scene on Wednesday, The Siberian Times has reported.
The cause of its sudden appearance is not yet known. There is additionally speculation it could be caused by a space object - perhaps a meteorite, but a spokesman for the ministry's Yamal branch ruled out a meteorite but said it was too early to say what cause the gigantic hole in the earth.