A powerful explosion at the entrance to a luxury restaurant in central Moscow killed three people and injured 21 others, according to initial reports. The blast happened roughly two kilometers from the Kremlin, drawing immediate attention because of its location and the high-security nature of the gathering.
Reports said the explosive device had been disguised as a gift and detonated as guests arrived for a private event. The combination of a concealed device and a heavily secured setting led to early claims that the incident may have been an assassination attempt.
Emergency crews responded after the blast, which struck outside an upscale venue in one of Moscow's most sensitive central districts. Authorities were expected to examine how an explosive was brought to the site despite the event's security measures.
With multiple fatalities and more than 20 people hurt, the explosion is likely to intensify scrutiny around security in central Moscow. Investigators were expected to focus on the target of the attack, the method used to conceal the device, and whether the bombing was aimed at a specific person attending the event.
