Dozens, including children killed in Kemerovo fire in RussiaMarch 26, 2018 - 10:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least 53 people have died in a fire that tore through a shopping and entertainment complex in the Siberian coal-mining city of Kemerovo, the BBC says. As many as 41 children may be among the victims, officials say, and more than 10 are listed as missing. The blaze started on an upper floor of the Winter Cherry complex while many of the victims were at the cinema. Video posted on social media showed people jumping from windows to escape the flames on Sunday, March 25. "According to preliminary information, the roof collapsed in two cinemas," Russia's Investigative Committee said in a statement. The cause of the fire is not yet known and authorities have launched an investigation. Some 660 emergency personnel were deployed in the rescue effort. Firefighters tackled the blaze for more than 17 hours. Kemerovo, a key coal-producing area, lies about 3,600km (2,200 miles) east of Moscow. In a message, Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan expressed condolences to his Russian counterpart over the deadly fire. Photo. Aleksander Patrin /RIA Novosti Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |