MOSCOW, (Reuters): A homemade bomb carried by a woman exploded outside an upscale Italian restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, killing three people and injuring at least 21 others, Russian authorities said.
The blast occurred shortly before 8:00 p.m. local time near the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant at Kudrinskaya Square, one of Moscow’s iconic Stalin-era skyscrapers.
According to Russia’s Anti-Terrorism Committee, the woman attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard. Moments later, the explosive device detonated, killing the woman, the security guard, and a restaurant customer.
Police said the injured suffered wounds of varying severity and were taken for medical treatment.
State news agency RIA Novosti released footage showing heavily armed security personnel and emergency responders at the scene, which was cordoned off as investigators began examining the blast.
What Is Known About the Investigation?
Russian authorities have not identified the victims or announced who may have been responsible for the attack.
The Kommersant newspaper, citing unnamed sources, reported that investigators believe the bomb may have been intended to target guests seated on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace. The report also suggested the explosive device may have been detonated remotely and that the woman carrying it might not have known it contained explosives.
The restaurant had been closed to the public on Saturday for a private event, according to its website.
The explosion comes amid heightened security concerns in Russia, where authorities have intensified protection for senior military officials following a series of assassinations and attempted attacks that Moscow has blamed on Ukraine.