2013 Moscow psychiatric hospital fire

Map of Russia - Moscow Oblast (2008-03)

2013 Moscow Psychiatric Hospital Fire

The 2013 Moscow psychiatric hospital fire was a tragic incident that occurred on April 26, 2013, at a psychiatric hospital located in the Dmitrovsky District of Moscow Oblast, Russia. The fire resulted in the deaths of 38 people, including patients and staff members.

Background

The psychiatric hospital where the fire occurred was a facility that housed patients with severe mental illnesses. The building was reportedly constructed in the mid-20th century and had undergone several renovations over the years. However, concerns had been raised about the safety standards and the adequacy of fire prevention measures in the facility.

The Fire

The fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, around 2:00 AM local time. It is believed to have started in one of the patient rooms and quickly spread throughout the building. The hospital staff attempted to evacuate the patients, but the rapid spread of the fire and the locked doors hindered their efforts.

Firefighters arrived at the scene but faced challenges due to the remote location of the hospital and the intensity of the blaze. By the time the fire was brought under control, 38 people had lost their lives, and several others were injured.

Investigation

An investigation was launched to determine the cause of the fire. Initial reports suggested that an electrical fault might have been the cause, but further investigations were needed to confirm this. The investigation also looked into the hospital's compliance with fire safety regulations and whether any negligence contributed to the high number of casualties.

Aftermath

The tragedy prompted widespread calls for improvements in fire safety standards in psychiatric hospitals and other healthcare facilities across Russia. The Russian government announced plans to conduct inspections of similar institutions to ensure they met safety requirements.

The incident also highlighted the need for better emergency response protocols and training for staff in handling such situations. Memorial services were held for the victims, and the Russian President at the time, Vladimir Putin, expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.

See Also

• List of fires
• Fire safety
• Healthcare in Russia
• Mental health in Russia

References

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