38 killed in fire at Taldykorgan Regional Drug Rehabilitation Hospital

ASTANA.  September 13. KAZINFORM 38 people were killed in a fire at Taldykorgan Regional Drug Rehabilitation Hospital today. The fire broke out at 05:28 and  ran through sleeping rooms covering the area of 650 sq m. 73 people - 68 patients and 5 medical workers - were inside at the moment, the press service of the Kazakh Emergencies Ministry informs.

According to the preliminary data, 38 people including 36 patients and two paramedical workers died in the fire. 40 people were evacuated; among them are 37 patients and three paramedical workers.

At 05:56 there was established an emergency operating centre headed by Akim of Almaty oblast.  

At 06:30 the fire was localized. At 09:03 it was liquidated.

Eight units of specialized equipment, one unit of specialized firefighting vehicle, and 45 rescuers were involved in the accident liquidation.  

Officials say, late call to the firefighting service caused the rapid development of the fire.