Tallinn, Estonia—A fast-moving fire tore through an apartment complex in the capital early this morning, resulting in the deaths of three residents. Smoke filled the stairwells of the four-story building within minutes of the first alarm. Firefighters arrived at the scene to find flames leaping from third-story windows.

Teams entered the building under heavy air, searching room by room for trapped individuals. They found the bodies of three victims in a single unit near the center of the structure. Officials believe the fire originated in the kitchen area before spreading through the ventilation shafts.

The building was partially evacuated as crews deployed ladders to rescue people stranded on balconies. Residents stood on the pavement shivering in the morning air while watching the fire consume their homes. Many lacked shoes or proper clothing, having been forced to flee in the early hours.

Damage to the building is extensive, with the upper floors suffering significant structural compromise. Engineers are currently assessing whether the residential block remains stable enough for survivors to retrieve their belongings. The electricity and water supply to the complex were cut immediately.

Investigators are working inside the scorched interior to determine the cause of the ignition. Early speculation points to faulty electrical wiring, though this has not been confirmed by the rescue board. A formal inquiry will look into whether smoke alarms were functioning correctly inside the apartments.

Local support organizations are arranging temporary housing for the displaced families. The city government has promised to provide long-term assistance for those who lost everything in the disaster. Neighbors from surrounding buildings brought food and blankets to the scene throughout the afternoon.

Police maintain a perimeter around the block to protect the integrity of the scene. Forensic teams are painstakingly combing through the debris to identify the victims. The process is expected to take several hours given the condition of the remains.

The area is expected to remain blocked off until the structural integrity of the facade is verified. No further information regarding the identities of the deceased will be shared until tomorrow. Residents are being encouraged to contact their insurance providers immediately to begin claims.