A boy has been killed and two others have been injured when part of a house roof collapsed under the weight of snow and ice in Russia’s northern Murmansk Region, the Russian Investigative Committee has reported.
The deadly incident occurred in the mining town of Apatity on Wednesday. The 13-year-old boy died from injuries at the scene. The two others, aged 13 and 7, have been admitted to hospital.
A criminal case has been initiated over negligence causing death. Russian laws stipulate a maximum punishment of up to three years in prison for this kind of offence.
Russian Children’s Ombudsman Pavel Astakhov has urged punishment for employees of communal services responsible for keeping house roofs clear of snow and ice.
He also called for additional measures to be taken to ensure that no such tragedy is ever repeated.
Last year, several people were reported killed in similar incidents across Russia.
