• Two doctors arrested after nine newborns die
• Investigations ongoing to determine causes of death

Russian authorities have arrested two doctors following the deaths of nine newborns at a hospital in Novokuznetsk, Siberia.

The Russian Investigative Committee stated that all the infants died between January 1 and 12, with the first death occurring on January 4.

No cause of death has been disclosed yet.

Committee spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko said the chief physician and the head of the intensive care unit were detained for “improper performance of their official and professional duties in organizing and providing medical care.”

She added that the detainees are cooperating with investigations, while authorities are still determining the charges and pre-trial detention period.

The committee also released a video showing one suspect being escorted and another signing documents in the presence of an officer.

Victims and witnesses were questioned, and documents were seized as further evidence was collected.

The committee noted that nine post-mortem examinations are underway to establish the cause of death. Interfax reported that the Kemerovo Region Ministry of Health, which is also investigating, confirmed the infants had suffered severe intrauterine infections.

The hospital announced it has temporarily stopped admitting patients due to a spike in respiratory infections among children.