Six people were killed and eight rescued when a building caught fire in a town in northwestern Siberia, a local emergencies service spokesman said Tuesday.

The building, which was scheduled for demolition, was occupied by two families preparing to move, as well as by a group of homeless people who were sheltering in an abandoned part of the house.

Eight of the homeless were rescued, while six burned to death trapped by the flames. The other residents of the house were not affected.

A total of 55 firemen and 12 fire trucks took part in the rescue operation. The circumstances surrounding the blaze are being established and an investigation is underway.
sections: Accidents, Region News
areas: Siberian region