A large fire at a prominent market in a major city has resulted in the discovery of one fatality. The incident occurred in St. Petersburg, Russia, where 30 fire trucks were deployed to combat the blaze at a market structure in the Nevsky district. During the fire outbreak, a man reportedly leaped from a building.
Witnesses heard multiple explosions, likely originating from gas canisters. The Investigative Committee of Russia in St. Petersburg has initiated a criminal case concerning the failure to meet safety standards in service provision, as reported by Nexta.
The Russian Emergency Ministry stated that 96 firefighters and 26 pieces of equipment are actively working to extinguish the flames at the market location. The fire, which spread due to a highly flammable substance within the building, has affected an area of nearly 1,500 square meters (16,146 square feet).
Tragically, one individual’s death has been confirmed during the firefighting operation. The Russian Emergency Ministry press office informed the state news agency Tass that a deceased person was found amidst the firefighting effort.
Media outlets reported the fatality of a man at the burning Pravoberezhny market. Local authorities are facing challenges in containing the fire due to strong winds and the market’s extensive size. The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.
The Nevsky market is a significant commercial hub in Russia’s second-largest city, serving as a vital center for trade and commerce in the region. Despite the market’s high daily footfall, only two injuries have been reported so far.