A disturbing report emerged from St. Petersburg regarding a psychoneurological boarding school, known as PNI No. 10, where officials revealed that seven orphans connected to the facility had died within its walls. The incident prompted immediate attention from regional authorities and drew scrutiny to the care and safety measures in place at the institution. Local coverage notes that the director of the school was among those who returned early from vacation after the news broke, signaling the seriousness with which the leadership is treating the situation and the need for transparency in the days ahead.
Ivan Verevkin, a public official associated with the institution, stated that he was traveling back to St. Petersburg when questions about the fatalities were raised. While he confirmed the return, he did not provide specifics about the claims regarding the minors who had died. His comments underscore the complexity of the case and the caution with which officials have chosen to handle official communications during an active investigation. The evolving narrative suggests that investigators aim to establish a clear sequence of events while safeguarding the welfare of the residents and ensuring due process in reporting any findings.
Initial statements from the boarding school indicate that a formal inquiry is underway. Law enforcement agencies, along with supervisory bodies, have activated a cooperative inspection that includes law enforcement investigators, the prosecutor’s office, and regulatory agencies responsible for consumer safety and health standards. The collaboration among these bodies signals a broad investigative approach intended to inspect every facet of care, facility safety, staff procedures, and the overall environment in which the orphans lived. The aim is to determine responsibility, identify potential gaps in procedures, and determine whether any violations occurred that contributed to the tragic outcomes.
The region’s prosecutor’s office had already signaled intent to examine the case further, particularly after remarks from notable figures in the field of child welfare. Nyuta Ferdmesser, founder of a prominent charity focused on children and a leader in palliative care advocacy, had publicly referenced the seven deaths at the same facility in a way that drew national attention. The ensuing discussions have highlighted the importance of independent oversight in institutions serving vulnerable populations and the ongoing need for rigorous safety protocols and continuous monitoring to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities appear focused on building a comprehensive account of what happened inside PNI No. 10. Inspectors from several agencies are gathering records, interviewing staff and witnesses, and reviewing the conditions under which residents lived. The case has put a spotlight on the governance of state-funded care facilities, the training and oversight of personnel, and the systems used to monitor the health and safety of residents with complex needs. While questions remain about the exact cause and sequence of events, the priority for all involved is to ensure accountability, protect the rights of the children, and implement reforms that strengthen safeguards across similar institutions.