(Video) Electrical fault suspected in St Petersburg market fire that leaves one dead

A major fire tore through a two-storey market in St Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday, killing at least one person and injuring another.

The blaze broke out at around 5pm local time at the market, which housed about 200 stalls selling vegetables, meat, clothing and other goods. Witnesses described flames rapidly engulfing the building.

Emergency services said the fire covered an area of about 1,500 square meters at its peak, taking firefighters two and a half hours to bring under control. The alarm system reportedly failed to sound during the incident, complicating evacuation efforts.

Rescuers evacuated 100 people from the scene. A body was discovered in the rubble at about 9pm, with the victim's identity still to be confirmed. Separately, a man reportedly fell from a height while trying to escape the flames, sustaining leg fractures and requiring hospitalization.

Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case into the provision of services that fail to meet safety requirements. Witnesses reported hearing a strong explosion before the fire. Preliminary information suggests an electrical fault may have caused the blaze.

Emergency crews deployed mobile chemical and radiation detection laboratories to monitor air quality around the site.