HADITCH, UKRAINE (VINnews)-A massive fire broke out late Friday night, shortly before midnight, near the resting place of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad-Lubavitch and author of the Tanya, destroying the main synagogue and causing extensive damage estimated in the millions of dollars to a major Jewish pilgrimage complex.

The blaze tore through the central building of the “Rabbeinu Hagadol” complex surrounding the ohel (gravesite) of the Alter Rebbe in the eastern Ukrainian town of Haditch (also spelled Hadiach). Flames rapidly consumed the synagogue and beis medrash, while the kitchen and hospitality facilities that serve thousands of annual visitors sustained heavy damage. The main structure was almost completely destroyed.

Local firefighters responded during Shabbat and battled the fire for several hours, succeeding in containing it and preventing further spread. No injuries were reported.

The complex is overseen by Rabbi Shneur Deutsch, the Chabad emissary in Haditch, who manages the ohel and the extensive hospitality operations for visitors, local Jews and refugees. “We are in total shock,” Deutsch said. “The entire central building of the ohel, into which we invested our hearts, souls and our entire lives, has been consumed by fire. The damage is simply unimaginable, and it is extremely painful.”

Deutsch vowed to rebuild. “Chassidim are not deterred by anything,” he said. “With Hashem’s help, we will find the strength to rebuild everything. It will take whatever time and money are required, and we will make it larger and more beautiful than before.”

Ukrainian police have opened an investigation. An electrical short circuit is among the possibilities under examination, though authorities have not reached a final determination and are exploring all avenues.

Rabbi Meir Stambler, chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, said the federation is monitoring the probe and preparing replacement seforim and religious articles. He thanked fire services and the Haditch municipality for their efforts and expressed confidence that Jews in Ukraine and worldwide would assist in repairs.

The Haditch site, the second-largest Jewish pilgrimage destination in Ukraine, draws thousands of visitors yearly, particularly around the Alter Rebbe’s yahrzeit on the 24th of Tevet. Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, who died in 1812 (or early 1813 by some accounts) while fleeing Napoleon’s armies, is buried there.

Further details were still emerging as of Saturday.