A criminal investigation is underway in the Leningrad Region after two young girls died in the Volosovsky district. The Investigative Committee has initiated the case under Article 109, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which addresses the negligent causation of death to two or more individuals.

The incident occurred on May 31 at approximately 5:00 PM in the village of Terpilitsy. Concrete floor slabs within an abandoned agricultural building collapsed, trapping the two girls beneath the rubble.

Preliminary information suggests the girls were 11 and 12 years old.

An investigative team, headed by the acting head of the investigative department, was immediately dispatched to the scene. The team includes investigators, forensic scientists, police officers, and experts.

Authorities are placing particular scrutiny on the actions (or inaction) of local officials.

The prosecutor’s office of the Leningrad Region is also conducting an inspection into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.