Gasoline-like Fire Sparks Brief Chaos Near Nevsky Prospekt
Two traffic police inspectors, Yuri Shipilin and Denis Smirnov, were on duty near Nevsky Prospekt in the heart of St. Petersburg when a small blaze broke out at a fast food counter. The incident occurred shortly after investigators began issuing traffic-rule protocols to violators in the area, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. The burn did not spread far, but it created a tense moment on a busy urban stretch and drew a quick response from witnesses and authorities alike.
Officials reported that a flammable liquid spilled from the burning container onto the pavement, creating a potential hazard for passersby and nearby vehicles. The police stated that they contacted the fire department and implemented safety measures to manage the risk before fire crews arrived on the scene. Through quick action, one of the inspectors managed to extinguish the initial flames using a car fire extinguisher, preventing the fire from escalating while firefighters prepared to take over suppression efforts.
When the emergency team arrived, responders cut power to the affected outlet on the sidewalk to remove any ongoing ignition source. The incident was contained with no injuries reported, and the scene was secured to allow for a safe assessment by rescuers and municipal safety officials. The quick coordination between the police and emergency services helped minimize disruption in a high-traffic area known for its dense pedestrian flow and shopfronts.
In a separate incident reported earlier in the Chelyabinsk region, a man reportedly found another person’s bank card in a taxi and used it to purchase goods and services totaling thousands of rubles, including beverages, food, and other items. This case highlights ongoing concerns about unattended payment instruments and the importance of safeguarding financial information in urban environments. Authorities continue to remind residents and visitors to monitor their cards closely and report suspicious activity promptly to prevent fraud. [source attribution: Ministry of Internal Affairs statements and regional police reports]