At least three killed in explosion near cafe in Russia’s Moscow

At least three people died in an explosion near a cafe in central Moscow, according to local police. The incident occurred on Saturday at around 8:10pm local time, near a summer terrace on the ground floor of one of Moscow's seven Stalin-era skyscrapers at Kudrinskaya Square. Fifteen others were injured, with varying degrees of severity, and are receiving medical treatment. Emergency services responded swiftly to the blast, deploying police, firefighters and paramedics to the scene. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the explosion, though preliminary reports suggest it may have been related to a gas canister. This theory was cited by Russian state television, although it could not be independently verified. Meanwhile, the Baza Telegram channel reported that the explosion originated in the cafe’s kitchens, specifically due to a gas blast. However, this information also lacks independent confirmation. Security forces have cordoned off the area around the Balzi Rossi restaurant, where the blast occurred. Access to the venue has been restricted, and armed personnel are present to ensure safety. The closure extends to nearby traffic routes, including temporary roadblocks in the vicinity of Kudrinskaya Square. Additionally, the entrances to the Barrikadnaya metro station have been shut down as part of the response efforts. Witness accounts, however, differ slightly. According to the ASTRA Telegram monitoring channel, citing unnamed individuals, a birthday celebration for a general was taking place close to the location of the explosion. This detail, while potentially relevant, has not been corroborated by official sources or independent verification. As such, it remains unconfirmed whether the event had any connection to the incident. The Interior Ministry shared its findings via the Russian social media platform Max, confirming the number of casualties and the ongoing investigation into the cause of the explosion. The ministry did not provide further details on how the blast occurred or whether any criminal activity was involved. Police have stated that they are working with investigators to determine the exact circumstances leading up to the explosion. Authorities have urged caution in the wake of the incident, advising residents and visitors to avoid the affected area until further notice. The closure of the metro station and surrounding roads underscores the scale of the disruption caused by the explosion. While the immediate focus remains on rescue operations and medical assistance, officials have indicated that the investigation will continue over the coming days. As of now, there are no indications of wider unrest or public demonstrations linked to the incident. The situation remains under control, with emergency services continuing their efforts to stabilize the area and assess the damage. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.