Major Fire at St. Petersburg's Pravoberezhnny Market Triggers Blasts (Image: X)
A massive fire broke out at one of St. Petersburg's largest markets on Wednesday, triggering dramatic explosions that sent crowds fleeing and sent plumes of black smoke over the city's skyline. The blaze at the Pravoberezhnny Market, a Soviet-era landmark, resulted in casualties and required a major emergency response, with an investigation launched into potential safety violations.
Starting at about 5:00 PM local time, the fire rapidly grew to cover around 1,500 square metres of the two-storey market complex. According to witnesses, “multiple” explosions were heard while the structure was being consumed by flames.
Casualties: Initial reports confirm one fatality. At least two more people were hurt, among them a man who jumped from the second floor to get away and a 52-year-old woman affected by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Emergency Response: Nearly 100 emergency personnel and 26 fire engines were deployed. Strong winds and the market's large size hindered firefighting efforts.
Containment: By early evening, firefighters had contained the fire, but it took hours to put it out. Thick, expanding smoke forced the closure of nearby roads.
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The affected site is a well-known city landmark. The Pravoberezhnny Market, originally called the Nevsky Collective Farm Market, was built between 1979 and 1983 and is noted for its Soviet modernist architecture.
However, the market has a past record of fire safety issues. Authorities carried out several inspections, including one as recently as November 2024. The complex has also faced earlier disputes with city officials over meeting regulations, raising questions about what may have caused the fire to spread so quickly.
A probe has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the fire and to investigate whether safety violations contributed to its intensity and speed. The cause remained undetermined as emergency crews worked at the scene.
Dramatic videos of the blaze quickly circulated on social media, showing huge flames and thick smoke. The incident has triggered public questions about how well fire safety rules are enforced in older public buildings across Russia.
A: Yes, both witnesses and reports confirm that “multiple” explosions were heard during the blaze, likely from combustible materials, gas canisters, or the market’s electrical infrastructure.
A: Because of the severe fire and smoke, authorities evacuated at least 100 people from the market and nearby areas as a safety measure.
A: It is a recognized example of Soviet modernist design from the late 1970s/early 1980s. As one of the city's largest markets, it has been a functioning commercial and cultural landmark for decades.
A: Indeed. The market has been subject to several inspections and years of scrutiny over fire safety compliance. Just last month (November 2024), an examination revealed persistent regulatory issues.
A: The probe will seek to establish the fire's origin (electrical short circuit, negligence, etc.) and critically assess whether lapses in fire safety protocols or violations allowed the fire to spread so quickly, leading to the explosions and casualties.
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