Screenshot of video from Газета.Ru

MOSCOW, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Five people died and at least three others were hospitalized on Monday after hot water flooded a small hotel in the Russian city of Perm near the Ural Mountains, the regional investigative committee said.

The accident, which occurred in the early hours, was caused by a broken pipe, said the committee in a statement.

Investigators have opened a criminal case on the grounds of provision of services that do not meet safety requirements for life and health of consumers, the statement said.

Most experienced criminologists of the committee were sent to Perm to provide practical assistance, as well as to collect and record evidence, it said, adding that investigators are still working at the scene of the accident.