HAAPSALU, Estonia, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Estonia has declared Monday a national day of mourning for the victims of the Haapsalu orphanage fire, which killed 10 people Sunday.
Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the blaze, which caused an estimated $1.3 million in damages, Err news reported.
The first firefighters arrived within a few minutes of receiving an automated call about the blaze. Two adults were among the dead, which included three boys and five girls between the ages of 7 and 16.
Laane County elder Neeme Suur said the orphanage for disabled children was recently inspected and no safety violations were found.
Nine employees and 37 children were in the building when the fire started in a wing housing the sick and those unable to move without assistance.
Twenty-seven children were provided temporary shelter in a youth home nearby and the survivors will receive psychological help, Eesti Paevaleht reported.
The Ministry of Social Affairs said it would pay for the burial of the children killed in the fire.
Officials said the orphanage would be rebuilt and that insurance proceeds will cover most of the cost.
