3 killed, 21 injured in Moscow restaurant blast

At least three people have died and 21 others were injured after a homemade explosive device detonated outside an Italian restaurant in central Moscow, according to Russian state media citing security officials.

The explosion occurred at about 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Kudrinskaya Square, near the heart of the Russian capital.

Russia’s National Anti-Terrorist Committee said a woman carrying the explosive device attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard. The device then exploded, killing the woman, the guard and one restaurant visitor.

The establishment is located in one of Moscow’s well-known Stalin-era skyscrapers and was hosting a private event when the blast occurred.

Witnesses reported seeing several injured people being carried from the scene, some covered in blood.

Early reports suggested the explosion had occurred inside the restaurant’s kitchen. However, the restaurant later issued a statement saying there was no problem inside the premises and that the incident had occurred outside.

Authorities temporarily closed roads around the square as security teams secured the area. A planned evening cycling event nearby was also cancelled.

Footage released by Russia’s RIA news agency showed heavily armed security personnel surrounding the area, which had been sealed off to the public.

Source: BBC