Explosion in Monaco leaves two critically injured in suspected attack

A powerful explosion at a residential building in central Monaco left a couple in their 50s or 60s critically injured and a 13-year-old with less serious wounds. The blast occurred at about 9 p.m. local time on Monday on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla, near the French border.

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Probably an assassination attempt.

Authorities have described the incident as a deliberate attack. Monaco’s government chief, Christophe Mirmand, told AFP, according to France 24, that it was “probably an assassination attempt.” He said the explosive device likely contained bolts and metal fragments.

Mirmand said the teenager was very likely related to the injured couple. He did not identify their nationality, but French media including Le Figaro reported that all three victims came from the same Ukrainian family.

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As far as I know, this is the first time in the principality’s history that such an act has taken place here.

Monaco’s prosecutor, Stéphane Thibault, said a suspect left a bag or package in the building’s entrance before leaving. Nice Mayor Éric Ciotti expressed sympathy for the victims, their families and the people of Monaco, calling the incident a tragedy. Mirmand said he believed it was the first such act in the principality’s history.

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The attack committed this evening is a tragedy that has struck Monaco.