A large fire broke out on the evening of February 8 at the former Elektrozavod building located on Elektrozavodskaya Street, east of Moscow. The fire, which quickly escalated, has seen at least 90 individuals rescued and approximately 120 evacuated, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS).
Drifting black smoke was reported billowing from the third and fourth floors of the five-story administrative building, prompting immediate action from emergency service personnel. "Upon arrival, black smoke could be seen pouring out from the 3rd and 4th floors. Firefighters commenced extinguishing efforts. Gas and smoke protection teams began scouting for fire sources and any individuals trapped inside," reported the press service of the MChS.
Eyewitness accounts revealed chaotic scenes, with numerous people trapped inside, struggling to escape the thick smoke. One person described how his photo shoot on the fifth floor turned dire as the smoke began to choke them, saying, "The smoke intensified, and we lost visibility on all floors. It was terrifying!"
The fire's severity was classified at the fourth level of danger (out of five), indicating the urgency of the situation. Initial assessments indicated the blaze expanded to cover 300 to 800 square meters of space, raising alarm about the safety conditions within the premises, which host various creative studios.
Reports of injured individuals began flowing as three were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation, though their conditions do not pose immediate risk to life, confirmed health officials. "Three individuals were hospitalized with smoke inhalation but are not in life-threatening condition," stated the Department of Health of Moscow.
Emergency responders utilized aerial stretches and various equipments to reach those on upper floors. Some trapped occupants could be seen attempting to signal for help from windows, showcasing the desperate situation inside the building.
The causes of the fire are still under investigation, but preliminary indications point toward either malfunctioning electrical wiring or network overload as potential culprits. "Preliminary causes include either faulty wiring or network overload," confirmed operational services.
Following prior inspections, local authorities noted multiple safety violations. A report indicated, "Ten fire safety violations were recorded during the last inspection of the Elektrozavod in 2021," putting the spotlight on long-overdue regulatory attention.
With rescue operations still underway, the incident is raising significant concerns about fire safety practices within similar buildings across Moscow. While investigations by the Investigative Committee of Moscow have already been initiated, the effects of this incident will likely echo through the local policies on safety adherence.
This emergency has not only precipitated urgent rescues and medical attention but has also instigated discussions surrounding the adequacy of current safety measures across city venues frequented by the public.
Finally, as the scene calms after the intense hours of firefighting and rescue attempts, the city is left grappling with the immediate aftermath and the pressing need for heightened safety standards.