2021 Kharkiv fire explained

2021 Kharkiv fire
Date:21 January 2021
Location:Kharkiv, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine
Coordinates:49.9952°N 36.1633°W
Deaths:15
Reported Injuries:11

On 21 January 2021, a fire broke out at an unregistered nursing home in Kharkiv, Ukraine.[1] The fire killed 15 people and injured 11 others.[2] Nine people were rescued and sent to the hospital.

History

According to Prosecutor General of Ukraine Iryna Venediktova, the fire was caused by carelessness with electrical heaters. This prompted the office of the Kharkiv regional prosecutor to begin criminal proceedings due to alleged violations of safety regulations. Electric heaters are considered unsafe in Kharkiv due to the inadequate design of electrical infrastructure in that area.

The house was heavily damaged, with much of the second floor apparently gutted.[3] The fifteen people that died had apparently been trapped on the second floor.

Kharkiv's acting mayor Ihor Terekhov declared 22 January 2021 a day of mourning.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: At least 15 killed, 11 injured in nursing home fire in Ukraine. Reuters. 21 January 2021. 21 January 2021.
  2. Web site: Kennedy. Rachael. 21 January 2021. Nursing home blaze in Ukraine kills at least 15 people. 21 January 2021. Euronews.
  3. Web site: "Держава має врегулювати ринок соціальних послуг" — експерт про пожежу у Харкові. 21 January 2021. uk. Suspilne.
  4. Web site: Volodymyr Zelenskyy: On January 23, Ukraine will declare a day of mourning over the tragedy in the home for the elderly in Kharkiv. Official website of the President of Ukraine.