Fatal Fire Destroys Historic Pravoberezhnny Market in St Petersburg: 1 Dead, 2 Injured

Officials in the Nevsky district have initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire.

A devastating fire erupted at an indoor market in St Petersburg, Russia, resulting in at least one fatality and two injuries. According to Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations, approximately 100 people were evacuated from the Pravoberezhnny Market in the Nevsky district while firefighters worked to control the blaze.

Footage captured at the scene displayed enormous flames bursting through the roof of an estimated 1,500-square-meter portion of the historic Soviet-era complex, sending plumes of smoke into the evening sky.

St. Petersburg, Russia. Over 30 fire crews are on scene, more than 100 people evacuated. Explosions, possibly gas cylinders were heard across the area. #Russia #Russiafire #wildfire #StPetersburg

Igor Ulubikov from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations stated, "Considering the rate of fire spread, combustible load, intensity of fire propagation, and emission of combustion products, additional forces and resources were deployed to the fire site, including a mobile chemical laboratory. The fire covered a total area of 1,500 square meters, with 26 equipment units and 96 personnel involved in firefighting operations."

According to reports, the fire began around 5:00 PM local time on Wednesday at the two-storey market building located at 16 Ulitsa Dybenko. The flames spread quickly due to highly flammable materials stored within the building during the Christmas season. Emergency responders contained the fire by approximately 7:22 PM, though extinguishing efforts continued throughout the evening.

Officials in the Nevsky district have initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire. Authorities have not yet determined what ignited the blaze or whether any safety violations contributed to its rapid spread throughout the building.

The Pravoberezhnny Market, formerly known as the Nevsky Collective Farm Market, is housed in a Soviet-era modernist structure measuring approximately 25 by 100 meters. The building was constructed between 1979 and 1983 and achieved cultural significance for its appearance in the 1989 Soviet film "Interdevochka."

In recent years, the market has been subject to scrutiny regarding fire safety compliance, with authorities conducting regular inspections.