Sauna fire kills five teenagers, bodies found in pool

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

According to the publication«s source, the fire in the sauna broke out in the evening. A group of teenagers were there, most of whom failed to get out. Preliminarily, one 16-year-old girl survived and is receiving aid.

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

The sauna«s social media pages state 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 Kemerovo Oblast reported. The case was initiated under the article »Provision of services that do not meet safety requirements for life or health.« Forensic experts are working on the scene, and a number of examinations have been appointed.

A source from NGS42.RU in the security forces reported that the bodies of students aged 16 to 22 were allegedly found in the pool, preliminarily, 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 Emergency Ministry, it took about an hour to extinguish the fire, and damping down and inspection of the premises are being carried out.