Three people were killed and at least 21 others injured after a homemade bomb exploded near an upscale restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, Russian authorities said.
The blast occurred shortly before 8:00 p.m. local time outside the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant, located in one of Moscow’s iconic Stalin-era skyscrapers at Kudrinskaya Square.
According to Russian police, the explosion happened after an unidentified woman attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard.
Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee, cited by state news agency RIA Novosti, said the woman, the security guard and one restaurant patron were killed in the explosion.
Authorities said the 21 injured victims suffered wounds ranging from minor to serious and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Video released by RIA Novosti showed heavily armed law enforcement officers securing the area, which was quickly cordoned off as investigators began examining the scene.
Officials have not released the identities of those killed or injured, nor have they identified any suspects or publicly attributed responsibility for the attack.
The bombing comes as Russia remains on heightened security alert more than four years into its war with Ukraine.
Earlier this year, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced plans to strengthen protection for senior military officials following a series of assassinations and attempted attacks that Moscow has blamed on Kyiv.
The Kommersant newspaper, citing unnamed sources, reported that investigators believe the explosive device may have been intended to target guests gathered on the restaurant’s outdoor summer terrace.
The report also suggested the bomb may have been detonated remotely and that the woman carrying it may not have known she was transporting an explosive device.
According to the restaurant’s website, the venue had been closed to the public on Saturday because it was hosting a private event.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the explosion as security services work to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
