MOSCOW: A massive fire broke out at a psychiatric hospital in Russia’s Novgorod Region killing at least 37 persons.
A preliminary investigation suggested that the fire erupted after one of the patients has set his bed on fire.
“According to refined data, there were about 60 people inside. More than 20 were evacuated by the facility’s administration,” the head of Russia’s Emergencies Ministry Oleg Voronov said.
“Everything has collapsed inside as a result of the fire,” local police source told media. “The people believed to be inside are now most likely dead.”
According to reports, twelve firemen and five units of machinery were engaged in extinguishing the flames. The building which housed the men’s ward has been completely destroyed.
