Three Killed, 21 Injured in Explosion at Moscow Restaurant

At least three people were killed and 21 others injured after a homemade explosive device detonated at the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, according to Russian state media citing security officials. The blast occurred at around 8:00 p.m. local time near Kudrinskaya Square.

Russia’s National Antiterrorism Committee (NAC) said the explosion happened when a woman allegedly attempted to bring a homemade explosive device into the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard at the entrance. The device detonated during the confrontation, killing both the woman and the security guard, while a restaurant patron also died in the blast. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The Russian Investigative Committee said investigators and forensic experts are examining the scene to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Officials have not yet identified the suspected perpetrator or established a motive. Russian media reported that the restaurant had been hosting a private birthday celebration attended by several guests, including Russian Air Force Commander Alexandre Tchaiko. Authorities have not publicly linked the explosion to any group, and the investigation remains ongoing.