Olympic Champion Maria Shurochkina Hospitalized After Moscow Fire Accident
Two-time Olympic artistic swimming champion Maria Shurochkina was hospitalized in Moscow with burns after a home fireplace accident. Her family reports her condition is stable.
Maria Shurochkina, one of the world's most decorated artistic swimmers and a two-time Olympic champion, was hospitalized in intensive care following a severe fire accident at her apartment in Moscow.
The 31-year-old champion suffered burns when bio-ethanol fumes from a home fireplace ignited as she attempted to refill it. According to local media reports, the incident occurred on the 17th floor of a residential building in western Moscow.
Shurochkina managed to extinguish the flames on her clothing and fled to the hallway, where neighbors heard her calls for help and alerted emergency services. The fire caused minor damage to apartment furnishings, covering an area of about five square meters.
The athlete was rushed to the Sklifosovsky Institute in Moscow, where she underwent surgery and was placed in the burn intensive care unit. Initial reports by Russian Telegram channels claimed that over 30 percent of her body was burned and her life was in danger.
However, her family later clarified her condition. Her half-sister, the well-known Russian singer Nyusha, told the RBC newspaper that Shurochkina's condition is stable and denied reports that her face and head were injured.
"Masha is currently in intensive care. Her head and face were not injured, but she has burns on her body. Her condition is currently stable. Our family is grateful for your support," the singer stated.
The Russian Water Sports Federation announced it has contacted the hospital and the athlete's family, offering full assistance and wishing her a swift recovery.
Shurochkina won team gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, alongside 11 world championship titles and six European championship gold medals.
