Russia : 64 perish in shopping centre fire

The Siberian coal-mining city of Kemerovo is reeling under one of its worst disasters ever.  On Sunday, a fire ripped through a shopping and entertainment complex killing at least 64 people many of whom are children.





Reports have confirmed that the blaze started on an upper floor of the Winter Cherry complex while many of the victims were at the cinema.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and authorities have launched an investigation.

The region's deputy governor Vladimir Chernov was quoted as saying the fire began in a children's trampoline room.

The shopping centre opened in 2013. It has a multiplex cinema, restaurants, a sauna, a bowling alley and a petting zoo. All the animals at the zoo are reported to be dead.