Polish hostel where 22 died is ruled unsafe

Polish hostel where 22 died is ruled unsafe Warsaw  - A Polish hostel where a fire killed 22 failed to meet fire safety standards, firefighters said Thursday after an inspection.

Deputy Premier Grzegorz Schetyna said those responsible for the technical state of the building will be held accountable.

The commission ruled that the building's construction was a life hazard to residents, the Polish Press Agency PAP reported. The hallways, for example, were lined with easily inflammable furniture. The head of the commission called the building unlivable.

The commission found the fire likely started in the hallway on the first floor.

Rescue efforts were deemed to meet standards, and firefighters were on the scene within 10 minutes.

The fire struck the hostel for the homeless in the early hours of Monday on Poland's Baltic Sea coastal town of Kamien Pomorski.

Witnesses said a number of residents were injured when they jumped from windows to escape the blaze.

Seven injured people remain in the hospital, PAP reported. An eight-month-old boy was the most critically injured and remained in intensive care.

Poland's government will allot one million zloty (305,269 dollars) to aid families and survivors, and will build a new facility for those left homeless by the blaze.

A final report by the commission is expected on May 31. (dpa)

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