The FINANCIAL — TALLINN. The government of Estonia has announced that February 21 will be an all-nation day of mourning for victims of an orphanage fire that killed 10 children, RIA Novosti informs.
The fire at the orphanage for disabled children in western Estonian town of Haapsalu broke out on February 20 afternoon, when 37 children and nine adults were in the building.
Prime Minister Andrus Ansip called for an extraordinary session of the government on February 21, when the ministers of interior and social affairs are expected to report on the details of the tragic accident.
A special investigation committee is trying to establish the cause of the fire.
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 ten children and two adults remain in hospitals with various injuries, including gas poisoning and burns.
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