Three killed in bomb blast outside Moscow restaurant

At least three people were killed and 21 others injured after a homemade explosive device detonated outside an Italian restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, according to Russian state media citing security officials.

The explosion occurred at about 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT) in Kudrinskaya Square, near the city centre.

Russia’s National Anti-Terrorist Committee (NAK) said a woman carrying the explosive device attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard at the entrance. The device exploded, killing the woman, the guard and a restaurant visitor.

The restaurant, located in one of Moscow’s landmark Stalin-era skyscrapers, was hosting a private event at the time of the blast.

Witnesses told Russian media they saw several people being evacuated from the scene covered in blood following the explosion.

Initial reports suggested the blast had occurred inside the restaurant’s kitchen. However, the restaurant later said the explosion happened outside the building, adding that “there was a problem outside” and that the interior of the premises was unaffected.

Roads surrounding Kudrinskaya Square were temporarily closed as emergency services responded to the incident. An evening cycling event due to take place nearby was also cancelled.

Video released by Russian state news agency RIA showed heavily armed law enforcement officers securing the area, which was cordoned off to the public.

Authorities have not announced any arrests or said whether the incident is being treated as a terrorist attack. An investigation is under way.