Blast at restaurant in central Moscow leaves people injured — Russian media
Roads around the scene have been closed (photo: Getty Images)
An explosion rocked a restaurant in Moscow on Saturday evening, August 1. Initial reports by Russian Telegram channels and Russian media outlets indicate that multiple people were injured, with the number of casualties potentially reaching dozens.
According to the reports, the incident occurred near the Stalin-era high-rise on Kudrinskaya Square. The explosion reportedly took place at the upscale Balzi Rossi restaurant, triggering a fire.
The Russian Telegram channel Ostorozhno, Novosti reported that the restaurant had been closed to the public on Saturday for a private banquet.
Preliminarily, three people were killed, and another seven were injured in the explosion. However, some media outlets report that the number of injured may be closer to 20.
There has been no official comment so far, but roads around the scene have been closed, and dozens of ambulances and fire engines have been deployed.
A witness told the Russian outlet 112 that, according to preliminary information, gas equipment reportedly exploded in the restaurant's kitchen.
Some media outlets also report that four restaurant employees were among those injured.
Preliminary reports say a wedding with around 50 guests was taking place at the restaurant. Media suggest the explosion may have been caused by a gas leak in the kitchen.
Meanwhile, the Russian Interior Ministry officially confirmed that three people were killed and 15 others were injured.
At the same time, several Russian military bloggers claimed that members of Russia's military elite were allegedly present at the restaurant. Some media outlets also reported that the venue was supposedly hosting a birthday celebration for a Russian general.
"There were many vehicles with black license plates parked near the restaurant. Black license plates are typically used on vehicles belonging to the Armed Forces and certain other security agencies. In addition, a Russian National Guard bus was parked nearby," ASTRA channel reported, citing one eyewitness.
Other incidents
Earlier this year, on February 6, an assassination attempt occurred in Moscow against Russian Defense Ministry Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev. An unidentified attacker reportedly shot him several times in the back before fleeing the scene.
Read more about Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev in RBC-Ukraine's report.
