Fire in central Chelyabinsk high-rise hospitalizes two children

Two children and one adult were injured in a fire in central Chelyabinsk. The fire broke out on the first floor of a residential building, but smoke spread to upper apartments. According to eyewitnesses, firefighters initially had trouble getting through because of cars blocking the neighboring courtyard.

‘The firefighters had a hard time getting to the fire. They lost time choosing a path,’ a reader of 74.RU shared.

The regional emergency services department (EMERCOM/MChS) said the fire engulfed furniture and belongings on the first floor. The fire area was only ten square meters (about 108 square feet), but there was a lot of smoke.

‘Eight people, including two children, were evacuated via the stairwells accompanied by Russian EMERCOM personnel with rescue kits. Another 15 people, including two children, evacuated from the entrance on their own before the arrival of the units,’ the department reported.

Three people inhaled carbon monoxide. A one-year-old girl, a 16-year-old teenager, and one adult were hospitalized with poisoning.

‘Their condition is satisfactory,’ EMERCOM said. ‘The circumstances and cause will be determined by the investigation department specialists.’