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Three Killed After Explosive Device Detonates at Moscow Restaurant

At least three people were killed and 21 others injured after a homemade explosive device detonated at an Italian restaurant in central Moscow, according to Russian authorities. The incident is being investigated, with no details released about the possible motive.

By Gazatte Staff

    2 min read

Three Killed After Explosive Device Detonates at Moscow Restaurant
At least three people were killed and 21 others injured after a homemade explosive device exploded at an Italian restaurant in Moscow, according to Russian state media citing security officials.
The blast occurred at around 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT) at Kudrinskaya Square, near central Moscow.
Russia’s National Anti-Terrorist Committee said a woman carrying the explosive device attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard.
The device then detonated, killing the woman, the security guard, and a visitor at the Balzi Rossi restaurant, which was hosting a private event at the time.
Authorities have not disclosed who may have been the intended target of the attack. However, the incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Russia following several attacks targeting military and security figures in recent years.

Investigation Underway

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the explosion as a "cruel act of terror that claimed human lives."
He did not provide further details, saying law enforcement agencies were working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Initial reports suggested that the explosion occurred inside the restaurant’s kitchen, but the restaurant later said in a statement that "there was an issue outside the premises."
The restaurant is located in one of Moscow’s well-known Stalin-era skyscrapers. Roads surrounding the square were temporarily closed following the explosion.
A nearby evening cycling event was also canceled after authorities secured the area.

Security Forces Seal Off Scene

Footage released by Russian news agency RIA showed heavily armed security personnel at the scene, which was closed to the public during the investigation.
The Balzi Rossi restaurant later apologized on social media for an initial statement published after the explosion, saying it had been removed because it was "highly inappropriate given the circumstances."
Russian state media reported that the restaurant had initially posted that everything was safe at the venue.
The restaurant said it had taken steps to prevent similar incidents in the future and that staff members were focused on helping guests and emergency responders following the blast.

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