Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the deaths of nine newborns this month at a maternity hospital in Siberia, officials said on Monday. The State Investigative Committee said it suspects criminal offenses related to negligence and causing death by negligence, without specifying who the investigation is focused on.

According to authorities, investigators have seized medical records at the Novokuznetsk city hospital and are conducting forensic examinations to determine the exact causes of death. Meanwhile, hospital staff have been questioned about their actions or inactions. The regional governor announced that the hospital's chief physician has been dismissed from his post as a precautionary measure following the serious incident.

For its part, the hospital stated on its official website that it has temporarily suspended the admission of patients due to an outbreak of respiratory infections, and that quarantine measures are being implemented to prevent the further spread of the infection.