At the Military Communication Academy base, a grave incident unfolded near Budyonny in Sertolovo, close to St. Petersburg. Reports from Telegram channels including Attention, News, Baza, and Mash indicate that three students died under mysterious circumstances. Fontanka later confirmed the teenager’s death. The events prompted immediate scrutiny by authorities and the public, raising questions about safety, health, and oversight at a long-standing military educational facility.
According to contemporary media accounts, all three cadets were on a contractual path with the academy and had returned from a day off on March 26. They rejoined the unit in the evening and settled into their rooms after a routine evening assembly at around 23:00. In the early hours of March 27, roughly seven in the morning, the cadets suddenly fell ill, prompting a rapid response from medical teams. Eyewitness descriptions noted alarming symptoms such as foaming at the mouth and epileptic-like episodes, and attempts to provide aid were reportedly unsuccessful, leading to the cadets’ deaths in the barracks. These grim details were reported by Beware News and later echoed by other channels. The time frame suggests a short interval between the onset of symptoms and the fatalities, and first responders were faced with a scene where no obvious injuries or signs of violent harm were evident on the bodies. The investigation and police are continuing to determine the exact cause of death and the contributing factors. (Source: Fontanka)
In the days that followed, speculation intensified about potential risk factors for the cadets. The Mash Telegram channel noted that the students had been on contract since 2022, and two of the deceased were 19 years old. Names provided by various outlets include Mikhail D., Azamat G., and Kantemir M., with origins cited from Vladivostok and Nalchik. The group reportedly trained in Sertolovo as part of field exercises related to their duties as cadets. (Sources: Mash, Baza)
Further reporting indicated that investigators were examining whether a chemical substance might have played a role. Fontanka cited a source suggesting that the cause could involve some form of chemical exposure or substance use, with definitive conclusions pending the results of medical examinations. The outlet 78.ru also mentioned the possibility of drug poisoning as a contributing factor. In response, the Military Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee for the Western Military District opened a criminal case under the article concerning negligence, signaling a formal step into the circumstances surrounding the cadets’ deaths. (Source: Fontanka; 78.ru)
The Budyonny Military Communication Academy stands as one of Russia’s oldest military education institutions. Established in 1919, it traces its roots to the Officer Electrotechnical School of the former Russian Imperial Army. The academy trains signal officers and operates on a two-year program while also providing retraining for substitute officers. A field training base is maintained in Sertolovo to conduct realistic exercises that integrate theoretical instruction with practical, on-site experience. (Source: historical overview)
The ongoing investigation seeks to clarify whether the tragedy involved a singular incident or a broader issue that could affect other cadets and faculty. Officials are coordinating with health authorities to review medical histories, exposure risks, and any substances that could have contributed to the rapid decline of the students. As the inquiry progresses, the academy members and families await answers that can restore trust in the safety and oversight of a foundational institution dedicated to national service. (Source: investigative authorities)