Following media coverage about inadequate water supply and heating in homes within the Zavolzhsky district of Tver during January 4 to 6, a criminal case has been opened. The inquiry centers on allegations that services provided failed to meet safety requirements, as reported by the district office of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation (IC). The case points to potential violations of consumer safety standards that pertain to life and health protection, under part 1 of article 238 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The development signals authorities’ intent to scrutinize whether essential utilities were managed to a standard that did not endanger residents during an especially cold period.
Investigators describe that during January 4 through January 6 an incident in the Zavolzhsky district led to the interruption of heating and hot water access in residential buildings located near the intersections of Krasin Street and Lunacharsky Street. The preliminary findings indicate that the heat networks suffered from insufficient repair work and testing for structural integrity and tightness. In addition, the investigation suggests that readiness for autumn-winter operations in the 2022-2023 season was not fully achieved, which may have contributed to the disruption of services in low outdoor temperatures.
The report notes that the emergency response and regulatory teams are examining the sequence of failures in heat supply infrastructure, including whether contractors fulfilled their obligations to maintain and test pipelines, as well as whether governance and oversight mechanisms were in place to ensure reliable utilities during peak winter conditions. The emphasis remains on preventing future occurrences through accountability and improvements in public utility management, while the case proceeds through judicial review.
In a separate regional update, Chelyabinsk authorities reported an incident on December 10 involving an emergency hostel where a wall removal created conditions that led to exposure to boiling water. This separate incident underscores ongoing concerns about safety standards and timely risk mitigation in situations where infrastructure and building safety intersect with occupant well-being. The authorities continue to assess the causes, the sequence of events, and any contributing factors to inform policy changes and enforcement measures.