At least one person was killed after a fire erupted at the Mega Khimki shopping center in northern Moscow on Friday, according to RIA, citing the local emergency department.

The conflagration started around 6 a.m. local time in a store in the shopping center and spread over an area of about 7,000 square meters. 

Videos shared on social media show a large plume of smoke rising from a building that is partially on fire.

Local media said firefighters' efforts to douse the flames have been complicated by the collapse of part of the structure.

According to the RIA news agency, equipment malfunction and fire safety violations are the primary cause of the fire. 

An investigation into the case has been opened. 

(With input from agencies)