An explosion at a restaurant in central Moscow on the evening of August 1 killed three people and wounded 21 others, according to Russia’s Interior Ministry and National Anti-Terrorism Committee.
The blast occurred at the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square, near a landmark Stalinist-era building in which the restaurant is located. The venue had been closed that day for a private banquet, according to the restaurant’s website.
Witnesses and a resident of the building told Russian outlet Vazhnye Istorii and the Astra channel that a Russian general’s birthday was being celebrated at the time. At least five vehicles with military licence plates were parked outside the building, though Russia has not officially confirmed this.
The National Anti-Terrorism Committee said a homemade explosive device was allegedly brought into the restaurant by a woman, who was among those killed. A security guard and one other visitor also died.
The restaurant’s head chef, Carmine Alfieri, said the restaurant and kitchen were in excellent condition and that there had only been minor problems outside the premises. Ukraine did not comment on the explosion or any possible involvement.
Police sealed off the area around the building and several nearby streets, where an investigation is ongoing.
