Explosion at Alania Mall in Vladikavkaz Kills One, Injures Nine; Officials Investigate Cause

Dec 25, 2024, 06:21 AM

An explosion occurred at the Alania Mall shopping center in Vladikavkaz, Russia, on December 25, resulting in one death and nine injuries. Local authorities reported that the explosion led to a fire that engulfed the third floor and the roof of the mall. Emergency services responded promptly and have localized the fire. The cause of the explosion is under investigation; initial reports suggested a possible gas explosion, but officials have stated that the building was not connected to a gas supply. Sergey Menyailo, the head of North Ossetia, visited the scene and confirmed that a woman inside the building was killed. Residents within a 500-meter radius felt the explosion. The Investigative Committee is involved in determining the cause of the incident. The area has been cordoned off, and an operational headquarters has been established to manage the response.