Three Dead, 21 Injured in Moscow Restaurant Explosion; Bomb Attack Suspected

Three people died and at least 21 were injured in an explosion at an upscale Italian restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, with authorities investigating it as a potential bomb attack. The blast occurred around 8 p.m. at the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square.

According to Russian media reports citing the National Anti-Terrorism Committee, a woman allegedly attempted to bring a homemade bomb into the restaurant. Security personnel reportedly prevented her from entering, leading to the explosion. The restaurant was closed for a private function at the time.

Sources cited by the Russian newspaper Kommersant suggest the targets may have been guests attending the private event on the restaurant's terrace. It is speculated that the bomb might have been detonated remotely, and the woman may not have known she was carrying an explosive. The explosion occurred as a security guard began examining a package she was carrying. The suspected woman, the security guard who stopped her, and one restaurant patron were among the fatalities, according to authorities.