At least 13 people have died due to cold in the Far East Russian region of Buryatia so far this new year, with alcohol a common denominator in their deaths.
The regional Investigative Committee branch said nine of the hypothermia victims were middle-aged and elderly men. Temperatures in the region have hovered between minus 34 and minus 49 degrees Celsius over the first days of January.
Three women and one 17-year-old girl who was found outside a diner on Sunday also fell victim to the elements.
“As with the girl, a large concentration of ethyl alcohol was found in the blood of almost all the frozen people,” the investigators said on Wednesday.
The Investigative Committee said the death toll could climb once all postmortem reports are filed.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
