Shocked residents show solidarity with victims

MOSCOW — Queues formed before dawn on Saturday at Moscow's blood collection centers as shocked residents showed solidarity for victims of the Crocus City Hall attack.

In addition to the more than 130 people mowed down by gunmen or unable to escape the burning building, more than 100 people were taken to hospital after Friday's attack.

Many laid flowers in front of Crocus City Hall, its roof blackened and partially destroyed by the fire started by the attackers.

Police and special forces still surrounded the hall on Saturday as hundreds of emergency workers searched the debris for signs of victims.

"Yesterday was a great tragedy for all of us," said Maxim, a 37-year-old who works for the ruling United Russia political party.

"We cannot remain indifferent," he added. "A lot of us had friends and family there."

Maxim said that people he knew who had been inside the hall and "went through hell", but all were still alive.

On advertising hoardings and at bus stops across Moscow, posters were put up showing a candle and the slogan: "We mourn 22.03.24."

With steady rain falling, about 150 people waited outside one blood collection center in northwest Moscow following an appeal by authorities.

"I came to help," said Alexandra, a 35-year-old air logistics specialist who added that all citizens had a "duty" to give aid. She added that she lived near the Crocus City Hall.

"When you can see what happened from your balcony, you understand what the reality is," she said.

"When you see the situation you don't want to remain isolated, you want to help," said Vladislav, an 18-year-old student in the queue.

By midday on Saturday, medical authorities said enough blood had been collected to help the wounded from the attack, but that donors would still be accepted.

"We support the desire of people coming here," said Federal Medical-Biology Agency official Olga Eikhler, as quoted by Tass news agency.

The shock was nationwide. In the second city of St. Petersburg, people left flowers in tribute at several monuments, and a queue formed at the main improvised gathering point in front of the Russian National Library.

In the Urals city of Yekaterinburg, a makeshift memorial was started in the central square near a statue of communist icon Vladimir Lenin. People, some in tears, brought flowers, toys and candles.

Agencies via Xinhua