Moscow restaurant explosion killed at least three; woman suspected of carrying the device and the security guard who stopped her were among the dead

At least three people were killed and 21 injured when a homemade explosive device detonated at Balzi Rossi restaurant in Moscow on Saturday evening. The explosion occurred around 8:10 p.m. local time during a private function, as a woman attempted to enter carrying the bomb.¹⁴

The National Anti-Terrorism Committee reported that the woman was stopped by a security guard before she could enter, leading to the device detonating at the entrance. The blast killed the woman, the guard, and a restaurant customer, with witnesses describing scenes of chaos as people were evacuated covered in blood.

Initial reports indicated that the explosion took place in the restaurant's kitchen, but the establishment later clarified that the incident occurred outside. The restaurant, located in one of Moscow's iconic Stalin-era skyscrapers, was closed to the public for a private banquet at the time of the explosion.⁸

Authorities have not yet identified the woman or disclosed her motives, and it remains unclear if the explosion was intentional. The apparent targets were guests attending the private event on the restaurant's outdoor terrace. Following the blast, a significant police presence was deployed to the scene, and roads around Kudrinskaya Square were temporarily closed.

“We’re all fine, and our restaurant and kitchen are in perfect condition; there was just a minor issue at the restaurant entrance,” said a restaurant representative on Instagram, emphasizing the establishment's safety despite the tragic incident.