Death toll in Moscow restaurant explosion rises to five, Russian media say
Five now dead after restaurant blast in central Moscow (photo: Russian media)
The death toll from the explosion at the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square in Moscow has risen to five, according to Radio Svoboda.
Number of killed
Russian media sources say two of the injured victims died in the hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities to five. More than six people remain in critical condition.
Earlier reports said three people had been killed: a woman whom investigators claim brought the improvised explosive device, a security guard, and one of the restaurant's guests.
Explosion details available
Russian Federation Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case on terrorism charges. According to the preliminary version of events, the explosive device was hidden inside a box disguised as a gift and detonated remotely.
Investigators are also considering the possibility that the woman who delivered the package may not have known what it contained.
Officials have not identified the intended target of the attack. However, several Russian media outlets and Telegram channels have suggested the target may have been a private event marking the birthday of Russian Aerospace Forces Commander General Aleksandr Chaiko.
As indirect evidence supporting that theory, they point to the words "Aleksandr 55," which were reportedly displayed on the restaurant's stage.
As previously reported, the explosion at the Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow occurred on the evening of August 1. The restaurant, located near one of Stalin's iconic skyscrapers on Kudrinskaya Square, was closed to the public that evening for a private banquet.
