Eight people die in horror fire at drug rehabilitation centre in Altai region

Eight out of 27 patients treated at the privately-owned charitable rehabilitation centre in the village of Ozero Krasilovo were killed. There were fears of one more body in the debris of the fire, said officials as a criminal case was opened. At least six were injured. 

The centre had a good reputation among locals. 

Head of the district administration Konstantin Tatarnikov said survivors were moved to a local school.

'Everyone was moved to the school building. Relatives have already arrived to take some of the patients home', he said.

'All the services - both the emergency situations' service and the police - acted very promptly'.

The Investigative Committee said a criminal probe had been launched. 

'During the investigation detectives will assess actions of clinic personnel who cared for patients and bodies controlling this clinic', said a spokesman.

Several theories for the fire in the single storey building are being probed, including premeditated arson and careless handling with fire, reported Itar-Tass.

No ages or gender was given for those killed in the fire.

The 'Clean Sheet' centre offers a programme involving 12 steps to rehabilitation - based on a US system - lasting six to nine months.

All patients lived in a private house on the shore of Lake Krasilovo.