20 killed in Russian nursing home fire

Moscow: A fire broke out in an unregistered home for the elderly in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, killing 20 people, TASS reported on Saturday. 

According to officials, the fire erupted Friday night in a two-storey wooden building that housed a private nursing home, which was illegal. 

The agency quoted fire safety officials as saying the entire second floor of the building had been gutted. The blaze had been brought under control.

Two injured people were in critical condition, the report said.

Reportedly, the fire was caused by an improper operation of the stove used for heating. 

"At the site of the fire, rescuers continue to work on the rubble in conditions of low air temperature. According to the latest data, 20 people died," the report added.

The authorities further added that many homes for the elderly operated without registration throughout Russia and could not be subject to inspections as they were officially considered private property.