Overview
- Officials say a self-made explosive detonated near the Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow, killing three people and wounding about 21.
- Investigators report that a woman tried to bring the device into the venue, was stopped by a security guard, and the blast killed her, the guard and a visitor.
- The explosion took place during a private event and police closed roads and canceled nearby activities as bomb experts and forensic teams processed the scene.
- Early reports that the blast came from a gas accident were superseded by the National Antiterror Committee’s assessment that the cause was an improvised explosive device.
- The motive remains unconfirmed and social media claims naming the gathering or its guests are unverified, while the attack raises fresh questions about security for high-profile venues and private events in Moscow.