Fire at psychiatric hospital in Russia kills 37

Photo: Source: Itar-Tass

At least 37 people have been killed in the fire at Oksochi psychiatric hospital in Russia's Novgorod region. The bodies of 13 victims have been found on the scene. Specialists continue to dig through the debris of the burnt down building.

The fire in the one-storeyed building located in a village near the town of Malaya Vishera, the Novgorod region, broke out at about 3:00 a.m. The fire engulfed the area of 700 square meters.

At the time, there were 59 patients and medical staff staying in the building. Only 23 people were able to escape to safety, three were injured. A nurse, who rushed to rescue the patients, was killed in the fire as well.

According to preliminary data, investigators do not rule out the version of arson.  A criminal case under article "Negligence" and "Causing death by negligence" has been filed.