Explosion Sparks Major Fire at Alania Mall in Vladikavkaz, Russia

A powerful explosion inside the Alania Mall in Vladikavkaz, the capital of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania in southern Russia, triggered a major fire on Wednesday morning, leaving one person dead and two injured, according to emergency services and media reports.

The fire, which engulfed approximately 800 square meters of the shopping and entertainment complex, was extinguished within an hour by first responders. The explosion and subsequent blaze caused extensive damage, particularly to the top center of the building. Footage released by the Russian Emergencies Ministry shows shattered windows, plumes of smoke, and a heavily damaged canopy over the central entrance.

Opened in 2015, Alania Mall spans 28,000 square meters across four floors and a basement. The explosion, which witnesses described as strong enough to shake the entire building, reportedly originated on the fourth floor, home to the mall’s food court.

While the cause of the blast remains under investigation, initial reports suggest a gas-related incident. TASS news agency cited official sources attributing the explosion to a gas leak, while other outlets pointed to a possible gas cylinder explosion. Notably, the mall is not connected to a gas mains supply, North Ossetian Governor Sergey Menyailo confirmed.

A 57-year-old woman was identified as the sole fatality, though it remains unclear whether she was a customer or employee. Two other individuals sustained injuries and received medical attention.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion, and the incident has raised concerns over safety measures in public spaces. Alania Mall, a popular destination in Vladikavkaz, is now assessing the extent of the damage as officials work to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.