The top leader of Moscow’s Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Major General Sergey Zheltov, has been dismissed from duty. The decision followed a critical incident where Zheltov reportedly suffered a heart complication while actively assisting crews at a blaze. Shortly after the event, officials indicated his condition was stabilized and he was receiving care in a cardiology department. The dismissal marks a turning point in the leadership of the city’s emergency response service, as the metropolitan unit continues to assess operational protocols and safety measures after the incident.
Initial reports describe Zheltov’s involvement in firefighting operations when a fire broke out at a major commercial complex, Grand Setun Plaza. The emergency response was triggered at a high level, prompting rapid deployment of fire, rescue, and medical teams. Witnesses noted the intense heat and dense smoke as crews worked to contain the fire and evacuate occupants. A status update from the medical teams confirmed that Zheltov experienced a heart-related health event during the response, and he was promptly transported for medical evaluation. By later assessments, his condition was described as moderate, with ongoing monitoring in a cardiology department as doctors continued treatment and evaluation.
There were subsequent public discussions about the timing of leadership changes within the agency, including references to a formal decision communicated on March 6. The exact circumstances surrounding the leadership transition were described as being driven by high-level administrative considerations and the ongoing need to ensure effective crisis management and accountability within the service.
On June 3, another major incident unfolded near the western outskirts of the city as Grand Setun Plaza experienced a significant fire. The response grid was activated to its maximum level of complexity, reflecting the severity of the blaze and the resources required. The scene drew the attendance of senior officials and top emergency management personnel who coordinated the firefighting effort, rescue operations, and safety oversight. The preliminary investigation into the fire identified a likely primary cause related to an electrical short circuit affecting the ventilation facade near the entrance group of the complex. Investigators noted that this initial assessment would guide further inquiries, while crews stayed on site to prevent rekindling and to secure the surrounding areas.