Dear Sirs and Madams,

Belarus is facing an anniversary of a terrible tragedy that occurred on May 31st 1999, when within a few short minutes a cruel accident took the lives of more than 50 harmless children in the age range of 13-18 years old. We reported it on the pages of our server, unfortunately in Russian. You can read about it here: http://www.belarus.net/310599/index.htm

A brief chronicle of these events. On May 31, 1999 an outdoor concert was being held in Minsk. In the late after noon an unexpected storm with heavy rain and hail ccurred. Hundreds of people ran in the nearest shelter of the Nemiga subway. People began falling down the steps and were trampled to death by the stampede of people. In the span of just a few minutes 53 young lives were crushed to death.

With deep pain and sorrow Belarussians recall this tragic day. There is no way of bringing relief to the parents of their violently killed sons and daughters. The state did all its best to help in funeral arrangements, many people didn't stand aloof as well. We have a tradition of placing a monument on the tomb a year after a death.

Belarus is not proud of its level of income or life, grieving families are not an exception. For them it's a double tragedy: the loss of a child and the inability of memorizing. We call upon all those who can help even one particular family.

Below is a letter of one mother whose daughter's life ended abruptly on this tragic day.

On May 31, 1999 our daughter Inkova Maria Michailovna died in the Nemiga subway in Minsk. She was 15 and a half years old and loved life very much. Her ability to find understanding between the elderly and little children was her distinctive feature. The people who's lives she touched remember her dearly even now. Being an artistic promising person Maria was studying for entering a sculptural department of Art college.

Her unexpected death took away all hopes and dreams of a bright future. For the family life has been divided in two parts, before and after May 31st 1999. The only joy still remaining for us is to visit the grave of our beloved daughter in Kalvariiski Cemetery. My husband (sculptor Mihail Inkov) has created a sketch of a head stone and is now busy with its life size modeling. Monument transfer from soft to hard material (forming, founding) and setting it up takes much money.

Local authorities in Minsk helped us with only 1/15th of the costs. We now appeal to all kind-hearted people who understand and share in our grief. Any and all financial support through contributions would be greatly appreciated.

We have made a small memorial sign dedicated to the Nemiga victims in Kalvariiski Cemetery. We would like the monument on the grave of our daughter. It is situated 3 meters from this sign and will become a symbol dedicated to all girls and brides who never had the chance to enjoy a life of happiness and have a chance at experiencing motherhood.

Inkova Nina S
Odoevskogo Str., 83 - 1
220015, Minsk, Belarus
tel: +375 (017) 2 52-56-26

Account: Nr: American Express Bank, Ltd., New York,USA
S.W.I.F.T: AEIB US33
Correspondent Acc.: 73 72 96
Beneficiaryiary: bank: Joint-Stock Savihgs Bank BELARUSBANK, BELARUS,MINSK,
S.W.I.F.T-code: AKBB BY 2X
BRANCH # 512
6111000000077 code 795
Beneficiaryiary: Inkova Nina S
ACCOUNT: 8400010000083

If someone is ready to respond and make a financial contribution for support it would be greatly appreciated.
Please respond with any questions to our Email address admin@belarus.net
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