Number of victims of Odesa college fire grows to 12

Four people are still missing.

The total number of confirmed victims of a massive fire that broke out in Odesa's Economics, Law and Hospitality College on December 4 has grown to 12.

"Another two bodies were found under the rubble as of 07:15 on Monday, December 9," says the Odesa Region Police Department.

"The bodies are yet to be identified. Four people are still missing," it said.

As UNIAN reported earlier, a fire broke out on the third floor of a six-story education block of Odesa's Economics, Law and Hospitality College on the morning of December 4. The area of the fire covered 4,000 square meters. The block housed 19 different organizations and establishments.

As of the morning of December 8, ten people, including a rescuer, were declared dead. Thirty people were injured, of them, nine are still in hospital.

Criminal proceedings were initiated under Part 2 of Article 270 (violation of fire safety rules) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The police are considering two theories: the use of malfunctioning electrical equipment and an arson attack.