Law enforcement and emergency service personnel are seen at the scene following an explosion near a restaurant in the Russian capital, Moscow. August 1, 2026. Photo: Reuters
At least three people were killed and 15 others injured in an explosion near a café in the Russian capital, Moscow. The cause of the blast was not immediately known. Local police provided this information.
The explosion occurred on Saturday (July 1) evening near a restaurant at Kudrinskaya Square in Moscow. In a statement posted on the social media platform ‘Max’, Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said the blast took place near Building 1 of the square at 8:10 PM local time (17:10 GMT).
Moscow police told the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti that three people died in the explosion. Fifteen others sustained injuries of varying severity and are receiving treatment.
Russian state media outlet RT reported that the explosion occurred at an Italian restaurant named ‘Balzi Rossi’ in Moscow. A wedding ceremony was reportedly underway at the time, with about 50 guests present; however, authorities have not officially confirmed this detail.
RT further reported, citing the Telegram channel ‘Shot’, that a gas leak might have caused the explosion. However, authorities did not immediately provide information regarding the cause.
Police, firefighters, and emergency service personnel arrived at the scene following the incident. Authorities stated that the cause of the explosion is being investigated.
Russian media reports indicate that traffic on the road adjacent to Kudrinskaya Square was temporarily halted following the explosion. The entrance to the Barrikadnaya metro station was also closed.
