MOSCOW, At least three people were killed and 21 others injured after a powerful explosion occurred near an upscale restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, Russian authorities said.
According to police, the blast took place shortly before 8:00 p.m. local time outside the Balzi Rossi Italian Restaurant, located in one of Moscow’s iconic Stalin-era skyscrapers at Kudrinskaya Square.
Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee said an unidentified woman attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard before reaching the entrance.
Moments later, an explosion occurred, killing:
- The unidentified woman carrying the explosive device.
- A security guard.
- A restaurant customer.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.
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Police confirmed that 21 people sustained injuries of varying severity.
Emergency responders rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals, while security forces sealed off the area for investigation.
According to Russian newspaper Kommersant, citing unnamed sources, investigators believe the explosive device may have been intended to target guests attending an event on the restaurant’s outdoor summer terrace.
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The report suggested:
- The explosive may have been detonated remotely.
- The woman carrying the device may not have known she was transporting a bomb.
These claims have not been officially confirmed by investigators.
The restaurant’s official website indicated that the venue had been closed to the public for a private event at the time of the explosion.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the gathering was the intended target.
Russian investigators have launched a terrorism investigation but have not identified any suspects or claimed responsibility for the attack.
Officials are examining surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements to determine the circumstances behind the bombing.
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No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion.
