Arson suspected in massive Rostov fire

The neighborhood mainly consisted of old privately owned houses. The location is considered highly lucrative for redevelopment, especially in the wake of the 2018 World Cup which is to be hosted by several Russian cities including Rostov. The Ministry of Emergecies has already described an ‘external source’ as the cause of the fire, which means arson. The local residents confirmed this version in their appeal to the regional authorities. Several months ago they were approached by some realtors who suggested the sell their houses at a lower price and threatening arson in case of refusal.  One of the major developers indeed has a plan to construct an apartment complex near Nizhegorodskaya street where the fire broke out, – the Rostov media reported. An investigation is currently underway.