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Alexander Bastrykin requests a report on progress of investigation of death of people in a fire in Smolensk Region

The Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia requested a report on progress of investigation of a probe into death of 6 people in a fire (Part 3 of Article 109 of the Criminal Code of Russia) and into the fact of negligence of Smolensk regional authorities exercising powers in the field of social protection and prevention of offenses that failed to take adequate measures to ensure fire safety of residential premises inhabited by families upraising minor children (Part 3 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code of Russia).

As reported earlier, the fire occurred in a wooden private household in Pochinok town of the Smolensk Region. After the fire was extinguished, there were discovered bodies of five children and an adult. At present the deceased have been identified as an 87-year-old owner of the houses, two here great-granddaughters of 6 years and 4 months and three children, aged 7, 9 and 12 years that came for a visit. At the moment of ignition the parents of the girls residing in the said house were in a bathhouse located on the same land plot. The family was not registered with the prevention or guardianship authorities. The investigation is considering various versions of the causes of the fire, including electrical. However, it will be possible to speak clearly about the reasons of the incident after a series of examinations, which will be appointed in the nearest future.

The progress of investigation is under the supervision of the Central Office of the Investigative Committee of Russia.