Kemerovo fire: Russia crowd condemns officials over disaster

[Domo]

Thousands of people have protested in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, angry at Russian officials over the leisure complex fire that killed at least 64 people, 41 of them children.

President Vladimir Putin arrived in Kemerovo earlier and blamed "criminal negligence" for Sunday's blaze.

Relatives say dozens of people - including children - are still missing.

Investigators say the fire alarm was switched off and exits blocked. Four people have been charged.

Another detained suspect - a guard from a private security firm - will be charged shortly, Russia's Investigative Committee says.

A national day of mourning will be observed on Wednesday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43552165

 

[Pacolovestacos]

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their loved ones.

 

[3 MEN AND A BOAT]

So very sad

 

[Marchand63]

This is horrible!! You go for a night at the movies and now bury your child. I believe most of the deaths were in the movie theatre.

 

[Iya]

Locals are saying hundreds of children were killed, but russian media is suppressing that info.

 

[ols386]

Oh no. This is so sad. Sending prayers for victims and their families.

 

[cabanafrau]

This is the first time I've seen it explicitly stated why "exits were blocked". The fact that was done is deliberate negligence with complete disregard for safety, which is not much better than deliberately and maliciously trapping people and starting the fire -- and certainly not much different in the results.

How horribly tragic for those involved. Your heart cannot help but go out to them.