A massive explosion rocked the heart of the Russian capital on Saturday, targeting a well-known Italian restaurant and resulting in multiple casualties. The incident occurred at the Balzi Rossi restaurant, situated in the prominent Kudrinskaya Square area of Moscow, while according to the Moscow Investigative Committee, the blast claimed the lives of at least 3 individuals and left 21 others with various degrees of injuries. Emergency services, forensic experts, and investigative officers arrived at the scene immediately to initiate rescue operations and secure the perimeter. The entire area surrounding Kudrinskaya Square has been cordoned off from the general public as the investigation continues into the circumstances of this violent event.
Casualties and Immediate Impact
The Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that the death toll stands at 3, while the number of injured has reached 21. Among those who lost their lives in the explosion were a woman who was reportedly carrying the explosive device, a security guard employed by the restaurant, and a customer who happened to be at the location. The 21 injured individuals were rushed to nearby medical facilities, where they're currently receiving treatment. Medical sources indicate that several of the victims are in critical condition, and the final count of casualties is still being verified by the Moscow Investigative Committee as they cross-reference hospital records and scene evidence.
From Gas Leak Suspicion to Homemade Bomb Discovery
In the immediate aftermath of the blast, which occurred just before 8 PM local time on Saturday, initial media reports suggested that a gas cylinder explosion might have been the cause. However, as forensic teams began their detailed analysis of the debris at Balzi Rossi, the narrative shifted Notably. It has now been revealed that the explosion was caused by a homemade bomb. Investigators found evidence suggesting that a woman had entered the vicinity of the restaurant carrying the device. The blast was centered near the summer terrace of the establishment, a location typically frequented by guests during the evening hours.
The Remote Control Theory
Sources involved in the investigation have raised a chilling possibility regarding the detonation of the device. There are strong indications that the homemade bomb was designed to target guests on the restaurant's summer terrace and may have been detonated using a remote control by a second individual. This leads investigators to believe that the woman carrying the bomb might have been unaware that she was transporting a lethal explosive. The precision of the blast and its timing suggest a deliberate attempt to cause maximum harm to those present at the venue.
Operational Status of Balzi Rossi During the Incident
According to the official website of the Balzi Rossi restaurant, the establishment was actually closed to the general public on Saturday due to a scheduled private event. This circumstance likely prevented a much higher death toll, as the restaurant would typically be crowded with patrons on a Saturday night. The investigative teams are now looking into the nature of the private event and whether any specific individuals attending were the intended targets of the attack. The Moscow Investigative Committee continues to work alongside emergency services to piece together the sequence of events that led to this tragic explosion at Kudrinskaya Square.