26.03.2018

FIDE President expresses his condolences on the fire in the Winter Cherry shopping centre in Kemerovo

On March 26, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov expressed his condolences on the tragedy in the Winter Cherry shopping centre in Kemerovo, where there was a major fire the day before. According to the latest information, the tragedy killed 64 people. The condolences read as follows: "Dear Kemerovo citizens! On behalf of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), I personally express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the fire at the shopping and entertainment centre Winter Cherry in Kemerovo.

I know that our whole country is grieved at this moment. The loss of loved ones is a terrible tragedy for any person. We mourn with you.
It is now difficult for me to find the right words to express all my feelings, since the death of children and adults is a heavy, irretrievable loss. I know that no words can comfort people or return the dead. This terrible tragedy, ending the life of adults and children, has become a shock and pain for our entire country.
We all suffered a great grief, the scale of which is impossible to realize, and the pain caused by it will never abate. I wish the victims recover and I wish those, who have lost their loved ones, steadfastness and courage."