An explosion occurred at a restaurant in the central part of Moscow, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals, as reported by Russian state media. Additionally, 21 people sustained injuries in the blast, with some in critical condition as investigators, forensic experts, and emergency services are actively present at the site. The incident took place at an Italian eatery situated in Kudrinskaya Square, where a homemade explosive device was detonated.
Among the casualties were the bomber, a security guard, and a diner at the popular Balzi Rossi restaurant. The National Anti-Terrorist Committee disclosed that a woman carrying explosives tried to enter the establishment but was intercepted. Subsequently, the explosive device detonated, causing the fatalities of the woman, the guard, and a patron.
The explosion, which occurred at approximately 8 pm local time (5 pm UK time), is currently under investigation, according to the Moscow Investigative Committee. A video released by the RIA news agency depicted heavily armed law enforcement officers at the scene, with nearby roads closed off to the public. Witnesses recounted seeing individuals exiting the restaurant covered in blood following the blast. Authorities have refrained from disclosing the identities of the victims or the suspected perpetrators.
Police reported that the injured individuals sustained wounds of varying degrees of severity during the attack. The restaurant’s website indicated that it had closed for a private event on its outdoor terrace on the day of the incident. Balzi Rossi is situated at the base of the Kudrinskaya Square Building, a prominent Stalinist skyscraper in Moscow constructed in the 1950s.
Chef Carmine Alfieri of Balzi Rossi reassured the public, stating, “We’re all fine, and our restaurant and kitchen are in perfect condition; there was just a minor issue at the restaurant entrance,” on Instagram. Nearby, numerous cyclists had gathered for an evening ride when the explosion took place.
