Russia Fire Update: Number of Injured Now 76

The operation headquarters of the shopping mall in Kemerovo told reporters today that another eight people have received medical attention following the deadly inferno, now making the total number of injured 76.

"In total, 76 people were injured in the fire, including 27 children," a spokesperson said.

14 people remain in hospital, including two children. 62 of the injured continue to receive treatment on an out-patient basis, while 14, including two children, remain in internal care.

As for the deceased, 27 of the 64 bodies have been identified so far, according to the Kemerovo Region Main Directorate of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, Alexander Mamontov.

"Sixty-four people were killed; investigators are carrying out measures to identify the deceased: 27 bodies have been identified, and four identified bodies were sent by the Russian Investigative Committee for further investigation. 14 people will be buried today. The subsequent identification procedure will be conducted based on collected genetic material," he said.

Georgian Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili tweeted yesterday, expressing sympathy to the families of the deceased.

"I would like to express my sorrow at the death of dozens of people, unfortunately including children, at a shopping mall fire in #Kemerovo, Russia. I offer my sincere condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims, and the Russian people."

The blaze broke out in a shopping mall in the Siberian city of Kemerovo at 17:00 (14:00 Tbilisi time) on Sunday 25 on an upper level of the complex during the school holidays. The mall’s shops and entertainment areas were crowded.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, but a full investigation has been launched.

Previous articles:

http://georgiatoday.ge/news/9665/At-Least-64-Dead-in-Russian-Mall-Inferno----

http://georgiatoday.ge/news/9676/Georgia-Saddened-by-Kemerovo-Shopping-Mall-Fire

http://georgiatoday.ge/news/9668/Protests-Break-Out-in-Siberian-City-of-Kemerovo

By Tom Day

Image: Maxim Grigoriev/TASS

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