Deadly fire breaks out in hospital in Russia’s Karelia region

A fire broke out overnight on January 26 in the adult infectious diseases ward on the ground floor of the Kondopoga Central District Hospital in Russia’s Republic of Karelia, leaving one person dead.

The incident was confirmed by the head of the region, Artur Parfenchikov, in a statement published on his official Telegram channel.

According to regional authorities, the victim was an elderly man living alone who was in the process of being transferred to a neuropsychiatric dispensary.

At the time of the fire, eight patients were in the ward and were evacuated to the hospital’s main building. No injuries were reported in the children’s ward located on the second floor.

“One mother and child were transferred to the main building, while two children with their mother were discharged home,” Parfenchikov said.

Karelia’s Health Minister Mikhail Okhlopkov arrived at the hospital following the incident.

“The circumstances of the incident will be thoroughly investigated. The causes of the fire and any potential damage will be determined by a special commission,” the regional leader added.

By Vugar Khalilov