3 killed in Moscow restaurant bombing during private party

At least three people were killed and 21 others injured in a bomb attack at an Italian restaurant in Moscow on Saturday evening. Russian state media reported that a woman attempted to bring a bomb into the Balzi Rossi restaurant, located in one of the city's Stalinist skyscrapers, during a private party.

The explosion occurred around 8 p.m. local time. According to Russia's anti-terrorism service, the woman was stopped by a security guard. The newspaper Kommersant cited sources suggesting the bomb was in a box, and the woman claimed it contained a gift. The guard reportedly became suspicious and examined the box, leading to the explosion. It is possible the detonation occurred remotely, and the woman may not have known the contents of the package.

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We are all okay, and my restaurant and kitchen are in perfect condition. There was only a small incident at the entrance.

Reports indicate that the woman, the security guard, and one patron died in the blast. The restaurant's chef initially posted on Instagram that everyone was "okay" and that the "restaurant and kitchen were in perfect condition," describing the incident as a "small incident at the entrance." However, the restaurant later removed the post, deeming it "extremely inappropriate," and issued an apology, stating the team was "deeply saddened by the tragedy."

Authorities have launched a terrorism investigation. While details about the attendees of the private party remain undisclosed, social media rumors suggest it could have been a wedding or a birthday celebration for a high-ranking general. The attack comes amid a period of heightened tensions, with Russia having previously accused Ukraine of assassinating military officials in and around the Russian capital.

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We offer our apologies. We have taken steps to ensure this does not happen again. The team is deeply saddened by the tragedy and expresses its condolences to the families and relatives of the victims.