An explosion at an Italian restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening resulted in three deaths and left at least 21 people injured. The incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. at the Balzi Rossi restaurant, which is situated in one of Moscow's historic Stalin-era skyscrapers at Kudrinskaya Square. Russian authorities confirmed that the blast was caused by a homemade explosive device.
According to the National Anti-Terrorism Committee, an unidentified woman attempted to enter the restaurant with the device but was intercepted by a security guard. The explosion followed this confrontation, killing the woman, the security guard, and a restaurant customer. The area was quickly cordoned off by law enforcement, and emergency services were deployed to assist the wounded, who suffered injuries of varying severity.
While initial local reports speculated that a gas canister might have been responsible, officials later clarified that the incident involved an improvised explosive device. The restaurant had been closed to the general public for a private event at the time of the blast. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or named any suspects in connection with the attack.
Investigations are ongoing as officials work to determine the origin of the device and the motive behind the incident. The use of an explosive device in a high-profile location in the capital has prompted a significant security response. As the investigation continues, the public remains on alert while authorities gather evidence from the scene.