A powerful blast ripped through Moscow’s Central Children’s Store (CDM) on Lubyanka, killing one person and injuring three others, according to Russian authorities.
Emergency services told state news agency RIA Novosti on Sunday that the explosion struck the popular toy store, a landmark shopping destination in the capital.
“Three people were injured, another died,” an emergency service source confirmed.
The Moscow Ministry of Emergency Situations said rescue crews and investigators were deployed immediately, securing the area and assisting victims.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the initial assessment indicated the explosion was caused by a technical malfunction in equipment. “The situation is under control, and emergency services are working at the scene,” he stated.
Further clarification came from Russian emergency officials, who reported that the blast was triggered by the explosion of a balloon cylinder on the building’s third floor. The incident claimed one life and left several shoppers injured amid Sunday crowds.
The Central Children’s Store, one of Moscow’s largest and most recognizable retail complexes, is a frequent weekend destination for families. The blast sparked panic among visitors, though authorities stressed there was no broader security threat.
Video footage circulating on Russian social media showed smoke billowing inside the building, with emergency personnel evacuating people and cordoning off the surrounding area.
Officials have not released the identity of the victim, but local media reported that investigators are working to establish the exact sequence of events.
The incident comes at a sensitive time for Moscow, with heightened awareness around public safety following several recent emergencies across Russia.
While the mayor sought to downplay speculation of foul play, the blast raised immediate questions about safety standards in public venues, particularly in heavily trafficked spaces like the Central Children’s Store.
Authorities have pledged a full investigation into the cause of the explosion and the safety protocols in place at the shopping centre.
For now, the iconic store remains closed as emergency crews assess the damage and ensure the premises are safe.
