At least twenty people perished in a fire that tore through a nursing home in the Russian city of Kemerovo, located in the region sharing the same name in the south-central part of the country. Local authorities and emergency services have described a scene of devastation as investigators begin to piece together what happened inside the facility.
Around 10:20 p.m. local time, responders received an alert about a blaze in an undeclared two-story private nursing home. When firefighters arrived, a 180 square meter roof was already engulfed in flames, presenting a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation that required immediate action to protect residents and nearby structures.
Official reports indicate that at least 20 people lost their lives, with search operations ongoing and seven individuals still unaccounted for. Two victims were transported to hospitals with serious burn injuries, while four others were discharged after receiving medical care. These casualty figures reflect the chaotic and high-risk nature of the incident, as responders worked through the night to locate survivors and secure the site. — Ministry of Emergency Situations
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, a total of 80 responders, including 28 firefighters, were involved in the extinguishing efforts. Debris removal continued in temperatures reported to be around 20 degrees below zero, highlighting the severe conditions faced by rescue teams. Officials noted that the unregistered second floor of the nursing home collapsed during the fire, with about 20 people believed to have been inside that section at the time of the incident. — Ministry of Emergency Situations
Kemerovo Governor Sergey Tsivilev stated that all similar residences, particularly private facilities, would undergo inspections following the fire. In a message shared on his Telegram channel, he emphasized that audits would cover such institutions comprehensively and be completed within a week. The announcement underscored the government’s focus on safety standards and regulatory oversight in response to the tragedy. — Kemerovo regional administration
This incident follows a pattern of earlier emergencies at nursing homes in the same region. On January 8, 2022, a fire affected a residence on the first floor, leading to the evacuation of 48 people and the deaths of four residents. The recurrence of fires in such facilities has prompted ongoing concerns about fire safety measures, emergency exits, staffing, and the enforcement of building codes designed to protect vulnerable populations. — Regional safety archives