A bomb exploded outside a restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, killing at least three people and injuring 21 others. Russian authorities have launched an investigation to find out who carried out the attack and what caused the explosion.
Bomb Explodes Outside Popular Restaurant
The blast happened at around 8 pm local time on Kudrinskaya Square in central Moscow. It occurred near the entrance of the Balzi Rossi restaurant, located on the ground floor of one of the city's iconic Stalin-era skyscrapers.
Russia’s Ministry of Interior confirmed the time of the explosion in a statement posted on the social media platform Max.
Woman Carrying Device Among Those Killed
Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee said an unidentified woman carrying the explosive device died in the blast. A security guard and a restaurant customer also lost their lives.
Russian news agency Ria Novosti reported that the woman tried to enter the restaurant with the bomb. However, the security guard stopped her at the entrance. The device exploded near the doorway moments later.
Police first reported three deaths and 15 injuries. Later, officials raised the number of injured to 21 as more victims reached hospitals.
Police Say Homemade Bomb Caused Explosion
Police said a homemade bomb caused the blast. Investigators have not identified who made the explosive or who planned the attack. Soon after the explosion, armed security forces reached the site. They sealed off the area while investigators collected evidence.
The Moscow Investigative Committee said it is continuing the investigation.
Authorities Have Not Named Victims or Suspects
Officials have not released the names of those killed or injured. They have also not identified any suspects or announced a motive. Investigators are examining all available evidence to determine how the bomb reached the restaurant and whether others helped plan the attack.
Unconfirmed Reports Mention General’s Birthday Event
The Telegram monitoring channel ASTRA, citing witnesses, claimed that a general's birthday celebration was taking place at the restaurant when the blast occurred. However, no independent source has verified the claim. Russian authorities have also not confirmed the report.
Report Suggests Bomb Was Remotely Detonated
Russian newspaper Kommersant, citing its own sources, reported that the bomb targeted guests sitting on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace. The newspaper also said someone else may have detonated the bomb remotely. It added that the woman carrying the device may not have known it contained explosives.
Authorities have not confirmed these claims. Investigators continue to examine all possibilities as they work to uncover the truth behind the deadly attack.