An explosion occurred at a restaurant in the heart 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, while investigators, forensic experts, and emergency responders are actively engaged at the incident site. The explosion, caused by a homemade explosive device, took place at an Italian restaurant located in Kudrinskaya Square known as Balzi Rossi.
Among the casualties were the perpetrator, a security guard, and a patron of the restaurant. The National Anti-Terrorist Committee disclosed that a woman carrying explosives tried to access the restaurant but was intercepted, leading to the detonation that claimed her life, along with the guard and a visitor.
The incident transpired around 8 pm local time, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Moscow Investigative Committee. Law enforcement officers, heavily armed, were captured in a video released by the RIA news agency at the scene. Access to neighboring roads has been restricted to the public as part of the security measures.
Eyewitnesses recounted seeing individuals exiting the premises covered in blood post-explosion. Authorities have refrained from disclosing the identities of the victims or the suspected perpetrators.
Police reports indicate that the wounded individuals suffered injuries of varying degrees of severity in the attack.
The restaurant management confirmed closure for a private event on its open-air terrace on the day of the incident. Balzi Rossi is situated at the base of the Kudrinskaya Square Building, a prominent Stalinist-era skyscraper in Moscow constructed during the 1950s.
Chef Carmine Alfieri of Balzi Rossi reassured the public through an Instagram post, stating that the restaurant and kitchen were undamaged, with only a minor incident occurring at the entrance.
Nearby, a group of cyclists had assembled for an evening ride when the explosion took place.