Spa Therapist from Buleleng Dies in Sauna Fire in Russia

An Indonesian migrant worker (PMI) from Panji Village, Sukasada District, Buleleng, Bali, Desak Komang Ayu Gayatri, died in Moscow, Russia. The spa therapist passed away after becoming trapped in a sauna fire at her workplace on Thursday, 5 March 2026.

“The fire incident occurred on 5 March 2026. The victim received hospital treatment for two days before passing away on 7 March 2026,” said Buleleng Labour Department (Disnaker) Head Putu Arimbawa when confirmed on Monday, 16 March 2026.

Arimbawa explained that Gayatri attempted to save herself when the fire broke out. However, she was believed to have become trapped inside the room and suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the fire’s smoke.

After administrative procedures were completed, Gayatri’s remains were eventually repatriated to Indonesia on Saturday, 14 March 2026 local time. The remains were transported via Aeroflot cargo on flight SU296 from Moscow to Denpasar.

The remains arrived at the International Cargo Terminal of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport on Sunday, 15 March 2026 at approximately 09:25 Wita. The remains were subsequently transported to the funeral home in Panji Village by vehicle.

“The remains departed the airport at 11:05 Wita and arrived at the funeral home at approximately 14:00 Wita,” said Arimbawa.

The remains were collected by family members together with representatives from the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Centre (BP3MI) Bali, vocational training institutions (LPK), and staff from Buleleng Disnaker.

All repatriation costs, according to Arimbawa, were covered by the company where Gayatri worked, including funeral and traditional ceremony expenses. Gayatri’s remains were scheduled for a traditional Balinese cremation ceremony (Ngaben) at the Panji Traditional Village cemetery on Sunday, 22 March 2026.