Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Authorities are now racing to determine what went wrong and whether more people could be at risk.
A sudden health emergency at a residential facility outside Moscow has left families searching for answers., The Caspian Post reports via Russian media.
Officials say dozens fell ill over a short period, prompting an urgent response.
The incident unfolded in Vidnoye, a town in the Moscow region, where residents of a care home began complaining of severe symptoms in mid-December.
According to local media, the facility was housing 73 people at the time.
Reports indicate that signs of illness appeared between December 18 and 19. Medical teams were not immediately called, with staff initially attempting to care for residents on site.
As conditions worsened, emergency services intervened. More than 40 residents were later taken to hospital, some in serious condition.
Criminal inquiry launched
Russia’s Investigative Committee posted on Telegram, that a criminal case has been opened, citing concerns over public safety standards.
Investigators say three people have died so far, and the number of victims could increase.
The Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Moscow Region said: “Investigative actions are underway in the Moscow Region as part of a criminal investigation into the poisoning of boarding house guests.
“Investigative bodies of the Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Moscow Region continue their investigation into the mass poisoning of boarding house guests in the city of Vidnoye (Clause “c” of Part 2 of Article 238 of the Russian Criminal Code).
“It was established that 73 people were staying at the boarding house. More than 40 people were hospitalised in varying degrees of severity, and three died.”
Just months since latest mass poisoning
In late September, 41 people died in the Leningrad region due to concumption of bootleg alcohol, RBC reported at the time.
According to the outlet, more than 5,000 liters of alcohol was seized in that case, with several people being arrested as part of the investigation.
Sources: Investigative Committee of Russia, Life Ru, Lenta, The Caspien Post, Russia’s Investigative Committee, RBC
