Tatarstan resident to be tried by jury for horrific fire

The trial of a woman whose entire family died in a fire has begun in Tatarstan

Photo: Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations for the Republic of Tatarstan

On June 18, 2023, a tragedy occurred in the village of Saitovo in the Tukaevsky district that shocked the local community. A fire broke out in a one-story wooden house where a large family lived, claiming the lives of seven people, including four small children. According to investigators, 29-year-old Ilmira Gardanova, the mother of the victims, deliberately set the house on fire, but she denies her guilt, claiming that the fire was accidental. This was reported by RIA Novosti.

That day, villagers noticed smoke and flames and immediately called the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Firefighters arrived at the scene in just five minutes, but by that time the fire had already engulfed 100 square meters, including a brick extension and a wooden veranda. Rescuers worked for several hours trying to put out the flames and clear away the rubble. When they finally got inside, they were met with a horrific sight: the remains of seven people, including four children — sons aged six, four, and two — and a three-year-old daughter.

The Gardanov family, according to local residents, lived modestly but happily. Ilmira and her husband Ainur always took care of their children, devoting all their free time to them. Despite financial difficulties, the children were dressed and shod, and their parents tried to create comfortable conditions for them. It is claimed that an atmosphere of love and care reigned in the family.

The Investigative Committee of Russia opened a criminal case under Article 109 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation «Causing death by negligence». The investigation was taken under the personal control of the chairman of the department, Alexander Bastrykin. During the investigation, a chain of events preceding the fire was established. As investigators found out, at the time of the fire, the parents were working in the garden, and Ilmira was outside. Her husband, seeing smoke, rushed inside, but, unfortunately, could not get out. The source reports that traces of flammable liquid were later found, so suspicion fell on Ilmira Gardanova.

After the tragedy, the local administration took over the funeral arrangements to help Ilmira in this difficult time. The degree of guilt of the suspect will be determined by the jury, whose selection will begin in September.