The blast occurred on the upper floor of the mall in Vladikavkaz, the administrative center of North Ossetia-Alania in the northern Caucasus. A statement from the ministry confirmed that no visitors were inside the building at the time of the explosion. All casualties were reported to be employees and passersby.
Following the explosion, a fire broke out in the mall but was quickly brought under control, authorities said.
Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was caused by a gas leak, though the exact circumstances are still under review. Regional Governor Sergey Menyalo stated that rescue teams are actively searching the premises for potential victims or survivors.
Further updates are expected as authorities continue their investigation.
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