Explosion at Moscow restaurant kills at least three, injures 21
At least three people have been killed and 21 others injured after an explosion rocked an Italian restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square in central Moscow, according to Russian state media citing security officials.
The blast occurred at approximately 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT) while the restaurant was hosting a private event. The National Anti-Terrorist Committee said a woman carrying a homemade explosive device attempted to enter the venue but was stopped by a security guard, at which point the device detonated.
Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene, and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals. Authorities have cordoned off the area as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the blast. No group has claimed responsibility, and the motive remains unclear.
Local news agencies reported that the explosion shattered windows in the vicinity and caused significant damage to the entrance of the restaurant. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled the area.
The incident adds to a series of security challenges in Moscow, though officials have not indicated any specific link to prior events. The National Anti-Terrorist Committee is leading the investigation, with support from forensic teams and emergency responders.
Russian state media have been cautious in their reporting, noting that details are preliminary and subject to verification. The identity of the woman has not been officially confirmed, and investigators are looking into whether additional suspects were involved.
Embassies and international organisations in Moscow have been advised to remain vigilant. The Israeli embassy, located nearby, was not directly affected, according to its spokesperson.
This incident highlights the ongoing threat of improvised explosive devices in urban environments. Security experts point to the challenges of preventing such attacks, particularly when individuals are willing to act alone or in small groups.
As the investigation progresses, officials are expected to release more details. The authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could assist the inquiry.
