Russian President Vladimir Putin began an operational meeting with permanent members of the Security Council with the topic of the tragedy at the Listvyazhnaya mine in the Kemerovo region - 64 people were injured and 51 died as a result of this accident.
"Before we start discussing the topics announced for today's meeting, I would like to observe a minute of silence for all the victims in Kuzbass - both miners and rescuers," said the President.
After a minute of silence, Putin added that he would like to once again express his condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to all the victims.
He also instructed the authorities to do everything possible to support the victims and the families of those who had died at the mine. He noted that he was in constant communication on this subject with the Governor of Kemerovo Region, Sergei Tsivilov.
The acting head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations Alexander Chupriyan reported about the situation at the mine, Putin added.
"I ask the Russian government and regional authorities to do everything to support the injured people and the families of the victims," the President ordered.
He also instructed the Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor General's Office to investigate into the causes of the tragedy at the mine.
"The Prosecutor General's Office and the Investigative Committee have been instructed to investigate into the causes of the tragedy," said the President.
He pointed out that a systematic approach is necessary in order to prevent similar accidents.
"As soon as such tragic events occur, we begin to investigate into the causes. We need to prevent something like this from happening in the future. And this requires systematic work and control over earlier decisions," Putin said, promising to "talk about this separately and in more detail."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS