Bomb explodes at Moscow restaurant, killing two victims and woman suspected of delivering device
Bomb Explodes at Moscow Restaurant: Two Dead, Courier Suspect Killed
Goldlaner.com – A bomb explodes at Moscow restaurant during a private gathering on Saturday, leaving two victims dead and the woman suspected of delivering the device among the casualties. According to RIA Novosti, citing Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee, the incident also injured 21 other people. An unidentified woman tried to enter the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square carrying what officials believe was an improvised explosive device. The bomb detonated before she could enter, killing a security guard who intercepted her and a customer waiting nearby.
What Happened During the Attack
Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the woman or determined her motive. It remains unclear whether she intentionally triggered the explosion. The apparent targets were guests attending a private event on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace, as reported by Russian business daily Kommersant. Sources told the newspaper that the event was heavily guarded, which likely prevented a higher death toll. A security guard became suspicious of a courier approaching with a box described as a gift and decided to search her. The device exploded at that exact moment.
Investigators believe the bomb was detonated remotely, and a preliminary account indicates that the woman most likely did not know what the package contained, Kommersant reported. The device had the explosive force of one kilogram of TNT and was packed with metal ball bearings intended to increase casualties, according to the newspaper. The blast happened around 8:10 p.m. local time (1:10 p.m. ET) near the outdoor terrace, according to Russian state news agency TASS, which cited the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
“We’re all fine, and our restaurant and kitchen are in perfect condition; there was just a minor issue at the restaurant entrance,” said chef Carmine Alfieri on Instagram.
The restaurant is located at the base of a landmark tower on Kudrinskaya Square, one of Moscow’s famous “Seven Sisters,” a group of Stalinist skyscrapers built in the 1950s. The explosion immediately prompted the deployment of an investigative task force and a large number of police and emergency personnel to the site, which sits along the Garden Ring in Moscow’s central Presnensky district. At the time of the blast, the venue was closed to the public for a private banquet, according to its website.
The chef, Carmine Alfieri, thanked people for their support following the blast. He said the staff were safe and characterized the incident as “a minor issue.” Balzi Rossi later said it had deleted a post that was “highly inappropriate.” “We sincerely apologize. We have taken the necessary steps to ensure that this does not happen again,” the restaurant said in a statement on Instagram.
“The Balzi Rossi team is deeply saddened by the tragedy and extends its sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who were killed,” it added, noting that the restaurant will provide assistance to grieving relatives. This is a developing story and will be updated. CNN’s Laura Sharman contributed to this report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the victims of the bomb explosion at Moscow restaurant? Two people were killed: a security guard who stopped the suspect and a customer. The woman suspected of delivering the device was also killed in the blast.
How was the bomb detonated? Investigators believe the bomb was detonated remotely. The woman carrying the device likely did not know what the package contained and did not intentionally trigger the explosion.
Where exactly did the bomb explode at Moscow restaurant? The explosion occurred near the outdoor terrace of Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square, which is located at the base of a landmark tower in Moscow’s Presnensky district.
How many people were injured in the incident? According to RIA Novosti, 21 other people were injured in addition to the three fatalities.
What was inside the explosive device? The device had the explosive force of one kilogram of TNT and was packed with metal ball bearings intended to increase casualties.
