A serious arson incident and the deaths of two children have been investigated, with authorities taking a suspect into custody. Reports from the press service of the Investigation Committee concerning the Udmurt Republic indicate that the event is being treated as a high-priority case requiring careful forensic and legal review.
Several hours earlier, a large fire erupted in a village, causing extensive damage. On the day of the incident, a 26-year-old man, who was identified as the ex-husband of the resident of the affected home, arrived at her residence where he and his two children, a two-year-old daughter and a four-year-old son, were living. At the time the confrontation occurred, the man had reportedly been drinking and was already agitated, expressing grievances related to the past relationship and outlining a motive tied to revenge.
While the ex-wife briefly left the house to go to a grocery store, the accused allegedly lit a fire and placed flammable material on a sofa inside the home. The atmosphere inside the dwelling was crowded with visitors who were present at the time: the ex-wife’s guests included a 19-year-old woman, her husband, and their two-month-old infant, along with their own children who were also in the room when the fire started.
The flames quickly enveloped the residence, tragically resulting in the deaths of the arsonist’s two children. The guest with the infant sustained burn injuries of varying severity and required medical attention at a hospital for treatment. The household and nearby residents faced immediate danger as emergency responders worked to control the blaze and evacuate others who might have been at risk.
Following the incident, investigators outlined a procedural plan for handling the criminal case. Medical and fire-technical forensic examinations were ordered to establish the circumstances of the fire, determine its origin, and assess any contributing factors. Witnesses were being questioned as part of the ongoing inquiry. The investigators indicated that charges would be filed against the suspect in accordance with applicable criminal law provisions, specifically relating to the killing of two persons who were minors, and prosecutors would seek a custody measure appropriate to the gravity of the alleged crime. The Investigation Committee emphasized that the case would be pursued with the full force of the law, ensuring due process and rigorous evidence collection to support the legal proceedings.
In a separate incident reported on the same day, a garage fire in Omsk was linked to the improper use of candles left unattended, resulting in the death of a resident. This event highlights the broader context of fire safety and the potential dangers of neglecting ignition sources in everyday settings.