Sauna Fire in Prokopyevsk Kills Five Teenagers

A fire broke out in a private sauna in the city of Prokopyevsk in the Kemerovo region while a group of teenagers were relaxing there. Some of them did not manage to leave the building, a source in emergency services told NGS42 on Saturday, January 31.

According to the publication«s interlocutor, the fire in the bathhouse flared up in the evening. There was a group of teenagers there, most of whom failed to get out. Preliminary reports indicate that one 16-year-old girl was saved and is receiving assistance.

Rescuers are working at the scene, as well as representatives of law enforcement agencies. The cause of the incident is unknown; one version is that the fire started due to the fault of the vacationers themselves. A version about faulty electrical equipment is also being considered.

The sauna«s social media pages indicate that visitors could bring alcohol and food with them, with only glass containers prohibited.

A criminal case has been initiated over the fire, the prosecutor«s office of the Kemerovo region reported. The case was opened under the article »Provision of services that do not meet safety requirements for life or health.« Criminalists are working at the scene, and a number of examinations have been appointed.

A source from NGS42.RU in law enforcement structures reported that the bodies of students aged 16 to 22 were allegedly found in the pool; preliminary, they died from smoke inhalation. Most likely, people tried to save themselves in the water. Part of the building where the establishment was located collapsed. It is being checked whether there are other visitors under the rubble.

According to the Kuzbass Ministry of Emergency Situations, it took about an hour to extinguish the fire, and watering and inspection of the premises are being carried out.