Russia: Fire in central Moscow May 5

Event

A fire started in central Moscow between the Lubyanka and Kitay Gorod metro stations on the morning of Friday, May 5. According to reports, the fire started in a trashcan but quickly spread to a nearby building. Road traffic in central Moscow is heavily disrupted, in part due to the fire itself, hindering firefighting efforts, which are still ongoing. Some 45 vehicles and 150 firemen are at the site. No injuries have been reported yet.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in central Moscow throughout the morning and potentially into the afternoon and evening.

Context

The Kremlin and the Red Square are located near the site of the fire. An investigation regarding the origin of the fire is ongoing.

Advice

Individuals in Moscow are advised to avoid the blaze site, to allow extra time to reach their destinations, and to take alternate routes.