World / Russia WWII Vet Sets Self on Fire, Kills 8 in Nursing Home Fellow residents died from smoke inhalation By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff Posted Aug 30, 2010 9:58 AM CDT Copied A burning nursing home, although not the one mentioned in this story, is seen in Russia. The country has suffered many fires, a sign of its crumbling infrastructure, the AP reports. (AP Photo/KomiOnline) The suicide of a World War II veteran is disturbing enough on its own: The resident of a Russian nursing home set himself on fire. But it gets even more depressing: Eight people in neighboring rooms also died, falling victim to smoke and gas inhalation, the AP reports. The 86-year-old who started the blaze this morning was reportedly upset he could not obtain an apartment of his own under a program that provides housing for WWII vets. (More Russia stories.) Report an error