The number of casualties in the fire at the shopping mall in Russia has increased sharply.
The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed that 37 people were killed, 43 injured, and 69 people are still missing in the fire that occurred on March 25 at the "Zimnjaja vishnja" shopping center in the industrial city of Kemero.
The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed that 37 people were killed, 43 injured, and 69 people are still missing in the fire that occurred on March 25 at the "Zimnjaja vishnja" (Winter Cherry) shopping center in the industrial city of Kemerovo, Central Siberia, Russian Federation.
According to TASS news agency, among the 69 missing people, there are 40 children. The cause of this tragedy is still unclear. However, according to information from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, the fire broke out on the top floor of this 4-storey building, which has several cinema rooms and a children's play area.
The fire spread over an area of nearly 1,500 square meters and the roof collapsed over an area of about 500 square meters. More than 230 people and 50 technical vehicles were mobilized to participate in fire fighting. The fire has been basically controlled.
On the same day, Russian President's press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that the serious fire had been reported in detail to President Vladimir Putin. President Putin sent his deepest condolences to the relatives of those who died and wished all the injured a speedy recovery.
In addition, Mr. Putin requested that Minister of Emergency Situations Vladimir Puchkov immediately be present at the scene of the tragedy and apply necessary measures to mobilize forces and means to participate in the rescue, and provide necessary support to the victims.
Russian authorities have opened a criminal case related to the fire, set up a hotline and mobilized a team of psychologists to support survivors and their relatives.
The "Zimnjaja vishnja" commercial and entertainment center in Kemerovo was put into operation in 2013 with a total area of 23,000 m2, including a commercial area, bowling alley, amusement park and cinema./.
