The blaze has engulfed some 1,500 square meters so far, but was stopped from spreading further. Dozens were injured. Some of them remain in a serious condition. Video on social media shows panic at the scene. Some people were jumping from windows in a desperate attempt to escape. More than 200 people were reportedly evacuated in the rescue operation that involved 15 fire crews. At least 60 firefighters were scrambled to the scene. A representative of Russia’s Investigative Committee, Svetlana Petrenko, said that 26 people had sought treatment or had been taken to hospital.
Blaze at shopping center in Siberia
The blaze started on the fourth floor of the Winter Cherry building. Video posted on social media showed smoke billowing from windows as fire crews worked to evacuate the property. The building contains an entertainment complex and a cinema. in two of the halls that formed part of the cinema, the ceiling had collapsed. The cause of the blaze is not yet known. Russia’s Investigative Committee this afternoon announced it had launched a criminal investigation into the case. A state of emergency has been declared in the Kemerovo region.
UPDATE
The shopping mall fire leaves at least 60 dead, 69 missing.
