Moscow blast: Three dead after explosive device detonates outside restaurant

A homemade bomb exploded outside a restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday, killing three people, including the woman believed to have been carrying the device, and injuring 21 others, Russian authorities said.

According to RIA Novosti, citing Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee, the woman was attempting to enter Balzi Rossi restaurant carrying what investigators believe was an improvised explosive device.

The bomb exploded before she entered the building, killing her, a security guard and a customer.

According to Russian newspaper Kommersant, the restaurant was hosting a private event on its outdoor terrace and security at the venue may have prevented a higher death toll.

The newspaper reported that a guard became suspicious of the woman, who was carrying a box she described as a gift, and attempted to search it before the explosion.

Kommersant also reported that investigators believe the bomb was detonated remotely and that the woman may not have known what was inside the package. The newspaper said the device had the explosive force of about one kilogram of TNT and was packed with metal ball bearings.

The explosion prompted a major emergency response in central Moscow.

Restaurant chef Carmine Alfieri later wrote on Instagram: “We’re all fine, and our restaurant and kitchen are in perfect condition; there was just a minor issue at the restaurant entrance.”

The investigation into the explosion is ongoing.