Investigators begin inquiry after fatal fire in Labytnangi

Investigators in Russia's Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District announced an inquiry on October 11 after a residential fire in Labytnangi. One man died and another injured person was taken to hospital.

The fire occurred in a building on Leonida Girshgorna Street. According to the regional emergencies ministry, 20 people were evacuated and the blaze was extinguished. The RIA Novosti report did not give details of the hospitalised person's condition.

The regional Investigative Committee opened a preliminary inquiry under Article 109 of Russia's Criminal Code, which concerns causing death through negligence. Investigators are establishing the circumstances of the incident. The agency's statement, as reported, did not announce that a criminal case had been opened.

A forensic medical examination has been ordered to establish the man's cause of death. Experts are also to determine what started the fire. Careless handling of fire is a preliminary explanation, rather than an established cause. The agency's account does not yet contain final findings from the examinations.