South Osetia mourns for victims of blast in Vladikavkaz

South Osetian authorities declared Friday a day of mourning for victims of the deadly blast that had hit southern Russian city of Vladikavkaz, a spokesperson to the presidential administration told Interfax.

The decree was signed by President of South Osetia Eduard Kokoyty, press secretary added.

“At this sad moment thoughts of people of South Osetia go to their North Osetian brothers as we are a single nation and this is a pain for all of us,” said President Eduard Kokoyty. “And we are indivisible in our strong aim to find those who are responsible for this barbaric crime and punish them,” he added.

The national flags are flying at half-mast in the government offices in the country and at the South Osetian Embassy in Moscow; the television channels will cancel all the entertaining programs and shows.

The blast happened near the central market in Vladikavkaz at nearly 11:22 local time injuring 138 people and killing 16. City’s authorities have already identified and issued lists of victims of the terrorist attack. The blast occurred when a suicide-bomber killed himself passing the market by a car. North Osetia is mourning for victims: September 10 is declared a day of mourning.