An explosion and subsequent fire devastated the Alaniya Mall located on Moscow Highway, Vladikavkaz, on December 25, 2024, leaving one woman dead and multiple others injured. Eyewitness accounts revealed chaos as the explosion not only shattered windows but also sent flames lapping from the upper floors of the building.
According to local reports, the tragedy unfolded early in the morning, leading to significant damage on the third floor and the mall's roof, covering more than 800 square meters. Emergency crews were quickly deployed to the scene as flames and heavy smoke billowed out, causing panic among the few present at the time.
Sergey Menyailo, the Head of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, confirmed the grim news via his Telegram channel. "Information on the victims: one woman died. She was inside during the incident. The condition of another injured person is being clarified. He has been taken away by medical personnel," he noted, highlighting the tragic loss and continuing medical efforts on behalf of the injured.
Initial investigations point to the cause of the explosion as stemming from the failure of a gas cylinder at the mall's food court. Following the explosion, rescuers reported significant smoke production throughout the building, leading to their urgent work to locate trapped individuals and extinguish the flames. Emergency services have cordoned off the area surrounding the mall as they continue to assess the situation thoroughly.
Local news outlet "Baza" reported the identity of the deceased, identifying her as a 57-year-old cleaner who had arrived at work before the mall opened for business. Tragically, her early start would cost her life as the explosion tore through the mall.
A total of 13 people were reported injured, with their conditions varying as they received stabilization and treatment. The emergency services, alongside investigators, continue to comb through the wreckage, seeking to identify any others who may have been caught inside during the calamity.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) of Russia indicated their teams are prioritizing the localization of the fire and determining the current hazards posed within the structure. The efforts are significant, as they work to minimize potential additional damage and prevent any escalation of the situation.
Witnesses at the scene described the scene as frantic, with shattered glass littering the ground and flames roaring from the upper levels of Alaniya Mall. Many nearby residents expressed concern for their safety and are waiting anxiously for more information.
The head of the local emergency response team emphasized community safety, stating, "We are doing everything possible to control the situation and assure the public we will notify everyone once the scene is safe. Public safety is our utmost priority. We urge everyone to remain calm and stay clear of the area as we manage the aftermath of this event."
Emergency responders remain on alert as they navigate through the hazardous conditions posed by the fire’s remnants. Rescuers continue their inspections, fearing there may be additional injured individuals trapped within the structure. Safety protocols have been instituted to protect first responders as they execute search and rescue efforts.
This tragic incident at Alaniya Mall echoes the importance of stringent safety measures across all commercial establishments. While investigations are still underway, authorities will likely focus significant attention on reviewing safety protocols concerning the use and storage of gas containers in public venues to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring again.
The community around Vladikavkaz is feeling the impact of this tragedy, with residents expressing condolences to the family of the deceased and support for those injured. Support services are being organized to assist those affected by the accident, providing not just medical assistance but also counseling and emotional support to help process this unfortunate event.
