This day will be remembered as an example of the emergency mobilization of all services. Just look at the first footage from the scene. The injured children were carried out on doors because there weren't enough gurneys.
This video's worth noting. It's the evacuation of one of the injured. There's a truck instead of an ambulance. It has no roof, and a person is holding an IV in his hands. All services including sanitary aviation arrived later. The first intention of the people was to help, whatever it takes. The conditions were not very convenient, but people acted quickly.
The tragedy unites indeed. #We'reWithKerch is a hashtag used to express condolences in social networks. People offer their words of support, post views of the city, and photos of mourning candles. Users not only from Russia's cities but from other countries do it. People are ready to help not just in words but also in deeds.
This is Zinaida Kurbatova.
- Hello, Zinaida. They say there are more people who want to give their blood than a blood transfusion station can receive.
- Yes, it's true. The station is closed now but it'll continue working next morning.
Here's an improvised memorial: a photograph of the college which people pay floral tributes to. It's located on Lenin Square in Simferopol. Mourning ceremonies were held here all day long. People continue coming here even late at night.
Eva Prudnikova, volunteer: "People are laying floral tributes. As a volunteer and social activist, I've come to lay floral tributes. I regret that it all happened on our peninsula".
Eva came with her father who totally supports her volunteer work.
Konstantin Prudnikov, citizen of Simferopol: "I'll always support all her endeavors, especially those encouraging her to help people and society. She's doing the right thing".
The tragedy was a shock for the city, Crimea, and the country. No one remained indifferent. The victims were very young. The terrible thing is that the terrorist shot at his classmates.
Lyudmila Kovaleva, head of a municipal public council: "All little things in life just faded. They seemed shallow. All that had happened before seemed... I think everyone felt this pain in his heart and soul. Because a part of the future vanishes when children die".
Every medic in the city declared that they are ready to help. In the first half an hour, it turned out that there were not enough ambulances. Car owners promptly offered their cars. People stood in line all day long at a blood transfusion station on Karl Marx Street.
"I went to the hospital and to the scene. I wanted to help somehow. But it turned out that I can help only here".
Donors were suggested that they come to the blood transfusion station tomorrow morning. Not all blood types are needed.
Lyudmila Gorelikova, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Crimea: "We've stored enough blood. Tomorrow we invite donors with rhesus negative and A-positive blood types. We maintain close contact with our regular donors, volunteers, and corporate donors. We remind them that the victims need the blood of certain types and rhesus factors".
Many people offer their help via social media.
Alexander, citizen of Kerch: "I had a car and spare time. I thought maybe a person with a car was needed. I offered any help. Given that I have a car, I suggested some help in transportation may be needed. Or maybe I could bring something".
The neighboring regions offered their help. Kuban sent two sanitary aviation helicopters to Kerch. In Rostov Oblast, they said they are ready to admit the injured to their hospitals or send their medics to Kerch.
Vasily Golubev, Head of Rostov Oblast: "I'd like to offer my condolences to the victims on behalf of the Rostov Oblast's citizens and wish the injured to get well soon. We'll provide any assistance you need".
The armed forces also provide assistance. The Ministry of Defense provided Il-76 planes equipped with medical modules. They've prepared wards for the injured in the Crimean military hospitals. Three days' mourning was declared in Kerch.
- That was Zinaida Kurbatova on the victims. Next, Vesti.
