At Least Three Killed in Explosion Outside Café in Moscow

Investigation into the Cause

The news agency Interfax confirmed reports of injured individuals at a Moscow hospital. According to the report, rescue workers and investigators were deployed at the scene. Eyewitnesses reported a loud detonation and shattered windows in surrounding buildings.

According to official statements, the Kremlin and the Moscow city administration had not yet commented substantively on the incident. National television aired special broadcasts covering the events. Residents were urged to avoid the area around the explosion site and to report any relevant information to the authorities.

Observers pointed out that such incidents have occurred repeatedly in the Russian capital in recent years, without authorities promptly releasing complete information on the cause in each case. An official classification as an accident, a criminal offense, or a deliberate attack had not yet been made as of Saturday evening.

Authorities and Rescue Operations

According to TASS, the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is coordinating the investigations at the scene. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations and medical rescue services were also reportedly deployed. Hospitals in the surrounding area were said to be preparing to receive additional injured victims.

International reactions to the incident initially remained restrained. Western embassies in Moscow issued no official statements as of Saturday evening. The EU and NATO also had not yet commented. Meanwhile, eyewitness footage spread across social networks, the authenticity of which could not be independently verified at the time.

International Reactions

According to Interfax, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office announced that proceedings would be initiated and that the investigation would be led centrally. The review was also to examine whether negligent action or a deliberate act led to the explosion. Results were expected in the coming days.

The incident caused concern among the public on Saturday evening. Many residents reported having clearly heard the detonation. Road closures occurred in several districts as emergency vehicles made their way to the explosion site. The situation remained tense hours after the explosion as further victims could not be ruled out.