A suspected homemade bomb detonated outside a popular restaurant in central Moscow, killing three people and injuring 21 others after security reportedly stopped a woman carrying the explosive device from entering the building.
At least three people have been killed and 21 others 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 8:00 p.m. local time on Kudrinskaya Square, a busy area near the Russian capital’s city centre. Authorities said the restaurant, located inside one of Moscow’s iconic Stalin-era skyscrapers, was hosting a private event when the blast happened.
Russia’s National Anti-Terrorist Committee (NAK) said a woman carrying the explosive device attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard at the entrance. The device detonated moments later, killing the woman, the security guard and another visitor. Emergency services rushed to the scene and transported dozens of injured people to nearby hospitals.
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Witnesses described scenes of panic as bloodied victims were helped away from the area while emergency responders secured the site. Early reports suggested the explosion originated inside the restaurant’s kitchen, but the establishment later clarified that the incident occurred outside the building, adding that there had been “a problem outside” while operations inside remained unaffected.
The blast prompted authorities to cordon off roads around Kudrinskaya Square as investigators began examining the scene. A large cycling event scheduled to take place nearby was cancelled as security forces expanded the perimeter.
Image released by Russian state news agency RIA Novosti showed heavily armed police officers and emergency personnel surrounding the area while forensic teams searched for evidence.
Authorities have not yet identified the woman or announced a possible motive for the attack. An investigation is underway as officials work to determine whether anyone else was involved in planning or carrying out the bombing.
