Photo: Social media
Russian authorities have officially classified the explosion at the Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow as a terrorist attack, saying it was caused by an improvised explosive device rather than a gas leak.
According to Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee, the blast occurred at around 7:55 p.m. near the restaurant entrance on Kudrinskaya Square. Authorities claim that a woman tried to enter the restaurant carrying an explosive device, but a security guard stopped her. The device then detonated.
Three people were reportedly killed in the explosion, including the woman who allegedly carried the device, the security guard and another visitor.
According to Russian media reports, the blast may have been aimed at guests attending a private event on the restaurant's terrace. One report claimed the explosive device was remotely detonated and contained metal fragments, causing additional injuries.
The restaurant later said it was safe before disabling comments on its social media accounts.
The incident has drawn comparisons with the 2023 bombing at a café in St. Petersburg that killed Russian propagandist and militant Vladlen Tatarsky.
