MOSCOW, Aug 1 - Three people were killed and 15 others were wounded when an explosion took place near a summer terrace in central Moscow on Saturday evening, the city police said.
Police reported the blast happened at around 2000 local time close to a summer terrace located on the ground floor of one of Moscow's seven Stalin-era skyscrapers at Kudrinksaya Square. Those injured sustained wounds of varying seriousness, the police statement said.
Investigators and emergency services were deployed to the scene and were carrying out work at the location following the incident. Footage released by the state RIA news agency showed heavily armed law enforcement officers at the site, which had been closed off to the public as officials managed the response.
State television broadcasts suggested the explosion may have been triggered by a gas canister detonating. That suggestion has not been independently confirmed, and authorities continued investigative work at the site.
Online news outlet Baza, which maintains close contacts with law enforcement, reported that the explosion took place at the upscale Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant. The restaurant's website indicated the venue was closed on Saturday for a private event.
The scene remained under official control while investigators and emergency teams continued to examine the circumstances surrounding the blast. Local authorities provided only limited information on the cause as of the evening of Aug 1, and police described the injuries among the 15 as ranging in severity.
Context and ongoing actions
Emergency responders and investigative units were actively working at the scene. Access to the area was restricted to allow law enforcement and emergency personnel to carry out their duties. Officials have not released definitive findings about the origin of the explosion, and media reports pointing to a gas canister have not been independently verified.