This is the moment one of the biggest shopping centres in the Moscow area burns after it was engulfed in a massive inferno early this morning.

The footage shows the burning shopping centre, reportedly located in the city of Khimki, in Moscow Oblast, some 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) from central Moscow, suddenly exploding and sending debris flying all over a car park in front of it.

Other images show scores of firefighters and emergency service personnel tackling the huge blaze.

The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry said in a statement obtained by Newsflash today, on Friday, 9th December: “In the Moscow region, firefighters eliminate a fire with an area of 7,000 square metres.

“The fire occurred in a shopping centre in Khimki. Fire departments are working on the spot, and a build-up of forces and means is being carried out.

“The aviation of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia has been put on alert.”

The Ministry added: “More than 70 people and 20 pieces of equipment are involved in the elimination of the fire. Extinguishing is complicated by the design features of the building, a large combustible load. Due to the collapse of the roof and the instantaneous access of oxygen, strong convective currents were formed. As a result, the fire quickly spread to a large area.”

The Prosecutor’s Office for the Moscow Region has said today: ” The prosecutor’s office of the Moscow region organised an inspection in connection with a fire in the premises of a construction hypermarket located in a shopping and entertainment centre in the urban district of Khimki.

“Today, at about 6am, a fire broke out in the premises of a construction hypermarket. According to preliminary information, there were no casualties. The data is being clarified, the fire is being extinguished.”

The cause of the fire is currently unclear.