Rustam Minnikhanov: “An owner who runs a business needs to ensure people’s safety”

On March 20, speaking at the 6th session of Tatarstan State Council of the 5th convocation, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that officials need to make certain conclusions from the tragedy at the Admiral shopping centre.

“Analysis shows there is either lack of authority or officials fail to make adequate decisions. The investigation is going to find the culprits,” Minnikhanov said, adding that because of changing the building purpose, the facility had no emergency evacuation plan.

“In this case, the tenant bears full responsibility. Why did they begin trading at this facility? The building began collapsing right from the start of the fire, it was never reliable. People were left under the rubble,” he said. “We decrease bureaucracy but when it comes to people’s safety, it should not be discussed,” he continued.

“Many of the people killed and injured in the Admiral fire lost their last means. And we have to respond to these people,” Tatarstan President added. Speaking of the proposal to close down the markets in the region, Rustam Minnikhanov argued they provided jobs for entrepreneurs.

“It is a warehouse, not a shopping facility, it does not comply with the fire safety requirements,” he explained.

“If an owner runs a business, they need to ensure people’s safety. It is not a subject for discussion,” Minnikhanov stressed.
Competent decisions on facilities that changed their original purpose and were poorly constructed are needed, he went on to demand.

“Based on the Admiral situation, it is clear we need information on what goes on at the heavily trafficked sites. Facilities like this are very hazardous. We need to competently prepare amendments to the federal legislation, detailing the powers of every authority,” he stated.