Estonia mourns deaths at orphanage fire
By IANSMonday, February 21, 2011
Tallinn, Feb 21 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The government of Estonia has announced Monday as the day of mourning for victims of an orphanage fire that killed 10 children.
The fire at the orphanage for disabled children in western Estonian town of Haapsalu broke out Sunday afternoon, when 37 children and nine adults were in the building.
Prime Minister Andrus Ansip called for an extraordinary session of the government Monday, when the ministers of interior and social affairs are expected to report on the details of the fire accident.
A special investigation committee is trying to establish the cause of the blaze.
Although firefighters and rescuers were at the scene three minutes after receiving an emergency call, the fire engulfed most of the building by the time they arrived. A part of the orphanage, which was constructed in 1950, collapsed as a result of the fire.
Another 10 children and two adults remain in hospitals with various injuries, including gas poisoning and burns.
