The 31-year-old was rushed to hospital with severe burns following the blaze in her 17th-floor apartment.
According to Mashthe most popular Russian-language news channels on Telegram, Shurochkina intended to pour more fuel into a bioethanol fireplace without first turning it off. The flame suddenly burst, igniting her clothing before spreading to furniture and other items, sparking a fire throughout the four-room apartment.
Although Shurochkina managed to escape, she fell into a state of severe shock. Other residents in the complex heard her screaming and crying before discovering her on the stairs.
|
Olympic gold medalist Maria Shurochkina. Photo by Instagram/@mashuniashura |
“We opened the door, and she rushed at us. She was crying and screaming, ‘It hurts!'” one witness said, as quoted by Daily Mail. “Apparently, she was lighting something; she had a bottle in her hand, and it burst into flames. Her arms, her stomach, her face were all burned.”
Firefighters later arrived at the scene to extinguish the blaze and assist with the building’s evacuation.
Shurochkina sustained severe burns covering about 32% of her body, mainly affecting her head, neck, chest, abdomen, arms and hands. She was rushed to Moscow’s Sklifosovsky Emergency Research Institute for specialized treatment. While the athlete’s condition was described as moderate upon arrival, it has since deteriorated and is now considered critical.
Doctors are working to treat her injuries while expressing concern over potential life-threatening complications, including burn-related shock, dehydration and infection.
The Russian Aquatics Federation has confirmed Shurochkina’s hospitalization. The organization stated they have been in constant contact with both the medical facility and her family to stay updated on her condition.
Shurochkina remains one of Russia’s most decorated athletes. As a member of the Russia synchronized swimming team, she captured gold medals at both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games, alongside securing 11 world championship titles.
In recognition of her sporting achievements, she was awarded the Order of Friendship by President Vladimir Putin in 2016 and the Order of Honor in 2021.
Following her retirement from competitive swimming, Shurochkina transitioned into the entertainment industry. She frequently performed in aquatic theater productions, using the elite technical skills gained throughout her career.
Shurochkina is also known in Russia for her connection to pop star Nyusha. The two are half-sisters and notably teamed up to win the reality television show “Treasures of the Emperor” in 2025.