Restaurant explosion in central Moscow kills three, injures 15, police say
Details of the Moscow Restaurant Explosion Incident
Casualties and Injuries Reported
MOSCOW, Aug 1 (Reuters) - Three people were killed and 15 injured in an explosion that went off near a summer restaurant terrace in central Moscow on Saturday evening, the Russian capital's police force said.
Location and Timing of the Explosion
The explosion occurred at around 2000 local time near a summer terrace located on the ground floor of one of Moscow's seven Stalin-era skyscrapers at Kudrinksaya Square, the police said. Those injured had received wounds of varying seriousness, it said.
Emergency Response Efforts
Investigators and emergency services were working at the scene.
Possible Cause of the Explosion
Speculation by Russian State TV
Russian state TV suggested the explosion may have been caused by a gas canister detonating. Reuters could not confirm that.
Law Enforcement Presence
Russia's state RIA news agency released video of heavily armed law enforcement officers at the scene, which had been closed off to the public.
Restaurant and Event Details
Venue Identified as Balzi Rossi Italian Restaurant
The Baza online news outlet, which has good contacts with law enforcement, said the explosion had occurred at the upscale Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant. The restaurant's website said the venue had been closed on Saturday for a private event.
Media Coverage and Reporting
(Reporting by Reuters Editing by Andrew Osborn )
