MOSCOW, Russia – A powerful explosion at an upscale restaurant in central Moscow killed three people and injured at least 21 others on Saturday, prompting Russian authorities to launch a terrorism investigation.
The blast occurred at Balzi Rossi, an Italian restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square. Russian state media, citing local officials, said the dead included the woman believed to have carried the explosive device.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin condemned the explosion as a “brutal terrorist act.” He said hospitals across the Russian capital were treating those injured but did not identify who may have carried out the attack.
Authorities Investigate Possible Terrorist Attack
Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee said at least 21 people were wounded in the explosion.
According to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, the woman suspected of carrying the device tried to enter the restaurant before a security guard stopped her. The explosive detonated moments later.
The report also said the restaurant had been closed to the public because it was hosting a private event.
Meanwhile, the Moscow Investigative Committee opened an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and identify those responsible.
So far, authorities have not released further details about the device or any possible accomplices.
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No Group Has Claimed Responsibility
As of Sunday afternoon, no individual or organization had claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Officials also have not announced any arrests or identified a possible motive.
Investigators said they were continuing to examine evidence collected at the scene.
Emergency Crews Respond
Video released by Russian state media showed heavily armed police officers, ambulances and emergency vehicles surrounding the restaurant shortly after the blast.
Emergency responders secured the area, treated the injured and transported victims to nearby hospitals.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as they work to establish how the attack was carried out and who was responsible.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
