A large fire broke out late Wednesday at a market building in St Petersburg, leaving one person dead and prompting a major emergency response. The blaze erupted in the city’s Nevsky district, just a day after St Petersburg was illuminated for the Christmas season.

According to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, the victim was discovered during firefighting operations. The ministry’s press office confirmed the fatality to the state-run Tass news agency.

Explosions were reportedly heard in the area as the fire spread rapidly through the structure. Officials said the fast escalation was fueled by highly flammable materials stored inside the building, allowing the flames to engulf nearly 1,500 square meters.

Emergency services mobilized 96 firefighters and 26 vehicles to contain the blaze, with crews working through the night to prevent further damage. Authorities have not yet provided details on potential causes, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.