Over 70 people were inside the building, among them at least four medical personnel, when the fire started. At least 29 of the patients were reportedly bedridden or with limited mobility.

Some 57 people have been evacuated from the burning building, according to emergency services working at the scene.

Two people have been declared dead, while at least nine have been hospitalized after suffering injuries. Another two of the wounded reportedly succumbed to their injuries en route to hospital, an emergency services source told RIA.

Seventeen people reportedly remain unaccounted for as authorities continue working at the scene. The roof of the single-story unit collapsed when the fire consumed all 600 square meters of the building.

Forty six people were transferred to another unit which had not been damaged by the fire.

Authorities believe that a wiring malfunction in the hospital’s electrical system might be the cause of the tragedy.

“Among the main versions [are that it] is the faulty wiring, we are also considered a version of careless handling of fire,” a spokesman from the local emergencies ministry told RIA.

A team of experts are conducting an investigation on site, rescue services told Interfax. Authorities may press charges once the reason behind the fire has been established.

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