The accident occurred in the central store of the Detski Mir chain, a multi-story building located in the heart of Moscow, on Lubyanka Square, next to the headquarters of the Federal Security Service (FSB).

The explosion, which occurred on the third floor, caused the evacuation of the building and disrupted traffic in the area.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin confirmed on his Telegram account that the accident left one dead and several injured, whose number he did not specify. According to preliminary data, the mayor added, the explosion was the result of “a technical failure of the equipment.” Russia’s Investigation Committee opened a criminal investigation into the incident.

The Detski Mir press office announced that the Lubyanka Square store will suspend operations on Monday.

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