Rostov-on-Don residents urge to cancel City Day because of fire victims

Townspeople have called on the authorities to help the fire victims by the funds allotted to celebrate the City Day. The respective motion has gathered 12,252 signatures in less than 24 hours.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that a fire in central Rostov-on-Don broke out in the afternoon on August 21 and was extinguished only this morning. Nine victims were hospitalized, one person perished; the fire has damaged 123 houses.

Alexandra Borisova, the author of the petition, has appealed to Vasily Golubev, Governor of the region.

"It will be at least immoral to make fireworks and hold a festive concert salute right in the adjacent street!" says the petition posted on the change.org website.

"The millions of roubles, intended for pop stars, should be aimed at helping the fire victims. We must show civil solidarity and cancel the City Day," Elena Fadeeva is convinced.

The City Day in Rostov-on-Don is scheduled for September 15-17. It should culminate in a "grandiose gala concert in Theatre Square," says the website of the Rostov-on-Don city administration.

The fire was arranged by black realtors, who plan to build a multi-storey residential complex and had already threatened residents with arsons, the fire victims assert.

Apart from a lumpsum material help, fire victims were promised compensation – 100,000 roubles for a total loss of property, and 400,000 roubles for grave harm to health, the “Interfax” reports.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.