Xi Jinping sends condolences to Putin over Russian mall fire

  Chinese President Xi Jinping has condoled the fire incident at Russia's Zimnyaya Vishnya (Winter Cherry) shopping mall that claimed 64 lives.

According to the People's Daily, President Xi sent a condolence message to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

He said, "On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, and also in his own name, I deeply mourn those killed in the fire and show sympathy to the bereaved families and those injured."

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also sent a similar message to his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev.

A major fire broke out on Sunday at the fourth floor of the shopping mall where victims were present inside a theatre.Over a 100 people had to be evacuated, while 12 injured were hospitalized. Thirty six persons received out-patient medical assistance.

Around 660 emergency personnel were deployed to the location to conduct rescue operations that lasted for over 17 hours.

A criminal investigation has also been launched in the case.