Late in the evening of February 7, at around 11:00 p.m., police notified emergency services about a tragic incident in the village of Volia-Vysotska in the Lviv district. The bodies of three young children born in 2019, 2021, and 2023 were discovered in a private home with no signs of life.
According to preliminary information, a bed caught fire in the room where the children were staying. As a result, the minors suffered burns and were likely poisoned by combustion products. Investigators believe this led to their deaths. Fire and rescue units were not dispatched, as the fire had extinguished on its own before emergency services arrived.
Details established by investigators
Law enforcement officers reconstructed the events as follows:
- A 31-year-old woman, a resident of the Lviv district, left for work at around 7:30 a.m. on February 7;
- Her three sons, aged 2, 4, and 6, remained at home without adult supervision;
- She returned home at approximately 9:30 p.m. and found the children dead;
- Numerous burn marks on furniture and household items were found in the room;
- Medical personnel confirmed the deaths, with the preliminary cause identified as carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from a fire.
Criminal investigation
The woman was detained under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. Investigators initiated criminal proceedings under Article 166 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for gross failure to fulfill parental duties.
The article provides for:
- restriction of liberty for a period of two to five years;
- or imprisonment for the same term.
Investigative actions involve criminal police officers, investigators, and other services of Police Department No. 2 of the Lviv District Police Administration No. 1. Procedural supervision is carried out by the Zhovkva District Prosecutor’s Office with the participation of regional and national law enforcement agencies.
Fire safety warning
Emergency specialists once again stress the importance of strict fire safety rules, especially in homes with children:
- never leave young children unattended;
- do not allow children to use matches, lighters, or electrical appliances without adults;
- regularly inspect electrical wiring and household equipment;
- avoid smoking in bed or near flammable materials;
- in case of fire, immediately call emergency number 101.