A warehouse fire in Shushari prompts ongoing inquiries and insurance questions
Wildberries was in St. Petersburg when the fire occurred. The company continues to reach out to workers at the St. Petersburg warehouse, but contact has not yet been established with all of them. A company spokesperson shared these updates with RIA News, speaking about the situation in the hours after the incident.
According to Wildberries, communications were established with many employees, yet 54 individuals could not be reached at the time of the briefing. The spokesperson noted the difficulty in reconnecting with those people as investigators work to determine the full scope of the event and its impact on staff.
Initial reports indicate that several employees had left their phones and personal belongings inside the warehouse in a rush to evacuate. The escape from the facility appears to have happened quickly as the fire broke out, complicating efforts to account for all personnel and assess the immediate safety measures in place at the time.
The investigation has begun to name those responsible for the fire at the Shushari warehouse. Authorities say the focus is on unidentified individuals who may have been involved in compliance with fire safety regulations. The press office of the Main Investigative Directorate of the St. Petersburg Investigative Committee confirmed this line of inquiry. Previously, a criminal case was opened under the charge of Abusing Office in connection with the large blaze that started on January 13 in the village of Shushari, according to official channels.
There are reports of lawyers who were suspected of considering insurance payments to Wildberries following the warehouse fire. Investigators are looking into whether any legal professionals or parties attempted to influence the compensation process or engage in improper conduct related to the incident.
Earlier updates from Wildberries regarding the timing of compensation payments after the fire have been circulated, with authorities reviewing the terms and conditions of potential payouts. The situation continues to evolve as the investigation progresses and more details come to light about operational safety and possible insurance proceedings.
Throughout the inquiry, officials emphasize a careful and thorough approach, focusing on factual findings, staff safety, and accountability. No definitive conclusions have been announced publicly at this stage, and the investigation remains open as investigators collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review company procedures to determine any breaches and their consequences. The information is being pursued by the relevant authorities to ensure all aspects of the incident are understood and addressed. [Source: Main Investigative Directorate of the St. Petersburg Investigative Committee; RIA News; company statements]