Russia reports five deaths from restaurant explosion in Moscow

The death toll from the explosion at the Balzi Rossi restaurant in Kudrinskaya Square in Moscow has risen to five. Over six other people are in a serious condition.

Source: Radio Liberty's Russian Service

Details: According to Russian media outlets, two people died in hospital. Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) had previously reported three deaths – a woman who, according to investigators, brought the homemade explosive device, a security guard and one of the restaurant's patrons.

Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a case under the article on terrorism. According to the early version of events, the explosive device was hidden in a box disguised as a gift and detonated remotely. Investigators suggest the woman who brought the box may not have known what it contained.

No official motive for the attack has been given. However, a number of Russian media outlets and Telegram channels have suggested the target may have been a private celebration of the 55th birthday of Aleksandr Chayko, Commander-in-Chief of Russia's Aerospace Forces. As indirect evidence, they point to a sign reading "Alexandr 55" on the restaurant's stage. There is no official confirmation of this theory.

The Telegram channel VChK-OGPU also claims that the person described as a security guard may have been an employee of Russia's Federal Protective Service. This information has also not been officially confirmed.

Investigative work at the scene of the explosion has been completed, and the cordon around the restaurant has been lifted.

Background: An explosion occurred at the Balzi Rossi restaurant in Kudrinskaya Square in central Moscow. It was previously officially reported that three people had been killed and 15 had been injured. According to social media reports, the venue had been closed for a private event.

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