Investigators name two basic causes of Hartron plant fire in Kharkiv

KYIV, January 9 /Ukrinform/. Investigators have put forward two main versions of the fire on a private jewelry factory in Kharkiv that killed eight people on January 8, First Deputy Prosecutor of Kharkiv region Volodymyr Sukhodubov told reporters on Wednesday.

"For today, investigators have put forward two main versions of the causes of the fire. The first one - violation of fire safety rules that resulted in the deaths of people. The second one - violation of safety rules at an enterprise," Sukhodub said.

According to him, the offense is punishable by law and an official in this case becomes subject to liability.

"Various specialists are involved in exploring the scene of the accident - for fire safety, occupational safety, explosive experts," Sukhodub said.

He added that the investigation is being conducted by police and controlled by the prosecutor's office.

Police have opened criminal proceedings over the fact. The guilty persons face up to eight years of imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Vilkul promised that the government will allocate UAH 100,000 to each of the families of the killed workers.

As reported, eight people were killed in a fire that broke out at a jewelry factory located on the territory of the Hartron production association in Kharkiv on Wednesday. The fire on a 250-square-meter area was extinguished in almost three hours.

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