Two-time Russian Olympic synchronised swimming champion Maria Shurochkina is in critical condition after suffering horrific burns in a bioethanol fireplace accident at her Moscow apartment.
The 31-year-old was rushed to the Sklifosovsky Emergency Research Institute after her clothing, surrounding furniture, and belongings caught fire inside her 17th-floor flat.
Read Also:AFCON 2027Q: Tanzania Lose Two Key Stars Ahead Of Super Eagles Clash
According to local reports from Russian outlet Mash, the 11-time world champion was attempting to refill the bioethanol fireplace without switching it off first. The flammable liquid ignited instantly, causing a bottle to burst into flames and setting her clothes ablaze.
Neighbors reported hearing screams and crying before finding Shurochkina on the building’s stairwell. Despite suffering severe injuries, she managed to escape the burning apartment on her own.
“We opened the door, and she rushed at us,” one resident recalled. “She was crying and screaming, ‘It hurts!’ Her arms, her stomach, her face were all burned.”
Read Also:2027 U-23 AFCONQ: DR Congo Begin Training Ahead Olympic Eagles Showdown
Video captured at the scene showed smoke pouring from the apartment as emergency personnel rushed into the building.
Medical staff are currently battling to save the Olympic gold medalist, who has suffered burns covering 32 percent of her body surface, including her head, neck, chest, abdomen, arms, and hands. Doctors have warned of potentially fatal complications, including burn shock, severe dehydration, and high risk of infection.
