MOSCOW, March 27 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed a decree declaring Wednesday a day of national mourning for the victims of a major fire in a mall in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, which killed at least 64 people.
The national flag will be flown at half-mast, while recreational radio and TV programs and other activities will be canceled.
The decree also ordered the government and local authorities to provide assistance to the families of the dead and injured.
The fire, one of the deadliest in Russia in recent years, broke out at the Winter Cherry shopping mall in downtown Kemerovo Sunday afternoon.
Putin laid flowers at an improvised memorial for the victims near the gutted mall and met officials, rescuers and local residents.
Local residents organized a rally in the central square, demanding punishment for those responsible for the tragedy.
Putin met their representatives and promised justice after the investigation is over.
Alexander Bastrykin, head of the investigating committee, said investigators are examining two possible reasons for the accident: a short circuit or, less likely, use of open fire.
Putin blamed "criminal negligence and mismanagement" for the tragedy.
On Monday, the Kemerovo region declared three days of mourning starting Tuesday. It was followed by several other regions and cities.
体坛英语资讯:Rotterdam ATP director frustrated with Djokovics pullout
体坛英语资讯:Italian soccer needs revamp, says World Cup winner
体坛英语资讯:Cuban Olympic medalist judoka Arencibia cancels retirement
体坛英语资讯:AC Milan slows down charge on title after being held by Lazio
体坛英语资讯:Cologne shocks Bayern at German Bundesliga
体坛英语资讯:Corinthians beat Santos 3-1
体坛英语资讯:Julio Baptista to undergo knee surgery in Brazil
体坛英语资讯:Wozniacki reaches Doha Open final
体坛英语资讯:Japanese baseball technicians to train Cubans
体坛英语资讯:Fabregas to miss League Cup final
体坛英语资讯:Heikkinen wins first gold for Finland at skiing worlds
体坛英语资讯:AC Milan stumble as Napoli, Inter catch up
体坛英语资讯:Rivaldo scores in debut win with Sao Paulo
体坛英语资讯:Garnett, Gasol, Nowitzki make NBA All-Star team
体坛英语资讯:Evra to stay at Old Trafford until 2014
体坛英语资讯:AC Milan pull away with win over Napoli
体坛英语资讯:Adriano leaves for Italy under pressure
体坛英语资讯:Barcelona wins against Athletic Club to remain five clear
体坛英语资讯:West Ham sink Liverpool 3-1
体坛英语资讯:Lampard takes captaincy in England friendly against Denmark
体坛英语资讯:Manchester City, Liverpool reach last 16 in Europa League
体坛英语资讯:Beckham returns to Los Angeles Galaxy
体坛英语资讯:Inter move to second after win over Sampdoria
体坛英语资讯:Pele sends warning to Brazilian World Cup organizers
体坛英语资讯:Inter Milan up to 3rd in Serie A following Bari win
体坛英语资讯:Mourinho: My future doesnt depend on results
体坛英语资讯:Mourinho takes 22 players to Lyon for Champions League clash
体坛英语资讯:Cruzeiro whitewash Guarani-PAR 4-0 in Libertadores Cup
体坛英语资讯:Ancelotti denies Roma rumors
体坛英语资讯:U.S. Olympic swimming champion Peirsol retires