Residents of Sverdlovsk are rallying in support of Elena Serbinova, who is facing criminal charges in connection with the deadly building collapse in Nizhny Tagil on August 1, 2024. The explosion, caused by a gas leak, resulted in the deaths of 11 people, including six children.

Serbinova is accused of causing death by negligence, with investigators claiming the gas leak originated in her apartment. However, neighbors are disputing this claim, asserting that the gas supply to her apartment was shut off days before the explosion.

Olga Kasyanova, a neighbor who lost her daughter in the tragedy, stated that she and her husband, Mikhail, were responsible for looking after Serbinova’s apartment and had turned off the gas riser on July 30, 2024. Kasyanova emphasized that she personally closed the gas valve and believes Serbinova is innocent, suggesting that the responsibility for any gas leak lies with Gazeks, the gas company.

Mikhail Kasyanov, a former law enforcement officer, echoed his wife’s sentiments, stating that the criminal case against Serbinova is unlawful. He questioned how a gas leak could occur in an unoccupied apartment with a closed riser and open windows. Kasyanov also pointed out that investigators have not communicated with the victims or allowed them to review the examination findings.

Other neighbors have also contacted the media to express their support for Serbinova. One resident emphasized that there was no smell of gas coming from her apartment on the day of the explosion and that it is incomprehensible how the Investigative Committee concluded she was responsible for the deaths. They firmly believe that Serbinova is innocent and that the explosion could not have originated in her apartment.

Gazeks employees, who were initially suspected of causing the building collapse, were placed under house arrest. The incident has deeply affected the community, and the stories of those who lost loved ones have been widely shared.