MOSCOW: At least three people were killed and 21 others injured after a bomb carried by a woman exploded near an upscale Italian restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, Russian authorities said.
The blast occurred shortly before 8:00pm local time near the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant at Kudrinskaya Square, one of Moscow’s iconic Stalin-era skyscraper locations.
Explosion occurred outside restaurant
According to Russia’s Anti-Terrorism Committee, the woman reportedly attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard.
Authorities said the explosion occurred moments later, killing:
- The unidentified woman
- A security guard
- A restaurant customer
Emergency services transported the injured to hospitals, with officials saying the victims sustained injuries of varying severity.
Investigation under way
Russian law enforcement agencies sealed off the area as investigators examined the blast site.
State news agency RIA released footage showing heavily armed security personnel and emergency responders at the scene.
Authorities have not identified the victims or announced who may have been responsible for the explosion.
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Reports raise questions over bomb’s origin
According to Kommersant newspaper, citing unnamed sources, investigators are examining the possibility that the explosive device may have been detonated remotely.
The report suggested the woman carrying the device may not have known it contained explosives, though officials have not confirmed that account.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the newspaper’s claims.
Security concerns remain high
The incident comes amid heightened security in Russia during its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Earlier this year, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said it would strengthen protection for senior military officials following a series of assassinations and attempted attacks that Moscow blamed on Kyiv.
The Balzi Rossi restaurant said it had been closed on Saturday for a private event.
