His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed condolences to the head of the Republic of Dagestan S.A. Melikov and Archbishop Varlaam of Makhachkala and Grozny in connection with the tragic incident at a gas station on the outskirts of Makhachkala. On the evening of September 27, 2024, as a result of the explosion of a gas cylinder and the subsequent severe fire at the gas station, 13 people, including two children, died, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia at 12:00 on September 28. September 28 has been declared a day of mourning in Dagestan.
The messages, in particular, say: "I received with great sadness the news of an emergency in the suburbs of Makhachkala: as a result of an explosion and subsequent severe fire at a gas station in the village of Novy Khushet, many people were killed and injured, including children.
I am convinced that the authorities of Dagestan will not ignore and provide the necessary support to those affected by this terrible tragedy. The Makhachkala Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, for its part, is also ready to provide spiritual assistance to those in need."
In his condolences to Barlaam, Archbishop of Makhachkala and Grozny, the Patriarch noted: "I ask the clergy of the Makhachkala diocese to provide the necessary assistance to those affected by this disaster.
I pray for the speedy healing of the injured, for the sending of strength and courage to the bereaved to bear the ordeal with dignity."