The Kamchatka Territory authorities of the Investigative Committee continue investigation into the death of three 8-year-old boys found several days ago with thermal burns at the heating main chamber filled with hot water in Pogranichnaya Street in the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (Part 3 of Article 109 of the RF Penal Code).
According to investigators, from 21 to 26 January 2016, a leak of water 106 degrees above zero appeared in a pipe in the chamber of a heating main and the roof of the chamber collapsed which required quick repairs and maintenance to guarantee safe and reliable operation. The Kamchatka Territory authorities of the Investigative Committee made a decision to open another criminal case over a crime under Part 3 of Article 238 of the RF Penal Code (Fulfillment of works or rendering of services which do not meet safety standards that have entailed by negligence the death of two or more persons). At present, the two cases have been joined to form a single lawsuit.
The investigation has revealed that the 47-year-old head of the first section of heat networks of the branch of PAO Kamchatskenergo, Kamchatka Heat and Power Plants was the one responsible for maintaining the heating system in good working condition. On 26 January 2016, with his participation and under his control, the workers carried out the repairs. They pumped out the water from the chamber, set a clip on a delivery pipeline and blocked the hole with the material they had at hand, parts of a woodchip board. It is obvious that the measures taken were not enough to repair the damage. However, no caution signs or fencing warning about potential danger were set around the site. On 28 January 2016, three 8-year-old boys fell into the chamber filled with hot water and died there of overheating.
At present, the head of the first section of heat networks of the branch of PAO Kamchatskenergo, Kamchatka Heat and Power Plants has been charged with a crime under Part 3 of Article 238 of the RF Penal Code. Following a request of investigators, a court has ruled to place him in custody pending trial. The investigation is ongoing.
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