A shopping center in Vladikavkaz, Russia, has exploded and caught fire, resulting in casualties and injuries.

An explosion occurred at a shopping mall in Vladikavkaz, located in the southern part of Russia. Following the blast, flames engulfed the entire top floor of the store. This is reported by The Moscow Times.

According to preliminary information, the explosion took place at 8:30 AM on the upper floor of the shopping complex. At that time, "Alania Mall" was closed to visitors – the mall opens at 10 AM.

A 57-year-old woman lost her life, and nine others were injured.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations reports that the fire spread across the third floor and the roof of the shopping center. The area affected by the fire is 800 square meters. Firefighters are unable to access the roof of the building because the premises are locked.

The preliminary cause of the explosion at "Alania Mall" in Vladikavkaz is believed to be a gas leak from the "Sky" restaurant on the third floor. Locals reported smelling gas in the air before the incident. However, Batraz Kodzaev, the chief engineer of the gas service in Vladikavkaz, stated that the shopping center was not connected to the gas supply. He did not rule out that gas from a cylinder could have exploded.

Debris from the explosion also damaged two cars in the parking lot.

Local social media also panic reported that an unidentified drone allegedly attacked the local TV tower, but authorities in Vladikavkaz denied this information.

Recall that on December 22, explosions occurred in Russian Oryol. Drones attacked an oil refinery.