Moscow Restaurant Explosion Kills 3 and Injures 15

An explosion near a restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square in central Moscow killed three people and injured 15 others, according to the Moscow Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, cited by world agencies. The blast occurred around 20:10 local time near an outdoor café, according to local authorities cited by BTA.

Investigation Into Cause and Casualty Reports

Official information regarding the exact cause of the blast remains unavailable. Russian state television suggested the explosion might stem from a gas cylinder, though Reuters could not independently verify that claim. Pro-government Russian channels have circulated conflicting theories, with one version pointing to kitchen gas equipment and another suggesting the blast occurred in the seating area. Carmine Alfieri, the restaurant’s head chef, stated that the explosion happened outside the building and that the interior premises sustained no damage. Meanwhile, a resident of the building told The Moscow Times that the property lacks any built-in gas installation.

The Telegram channel Baza reported that four of the injured individuals are restaurant employees. Eyewitnesses told reporters that casualties were carried out on stretchers and transported away in ambulances. The venue was identified as the Italian restaurant Balzi Rossi, which was closed for a private event on the evening of the incident.

Speculation Surrounding Military Figures and Social Media Claims

Various Telegram channels have speculated that the restaurant was packed with Russian military personnel at the time of the explosion. Pro-government Russian channels and independent monitors, including the Telegram channel ASTRA, noted that numerous vehicles with black registration plates—typically used by the armed forces and security services—were parked near the venue. Journalist Oleg Kashin suggested that the private gathering might have been a birthday party organized by Colonel General Alexander Chaiko, commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces. Chaiko was appointed to the post in May and turned 55 on July 27, and he remains subject to European Union sanctions due to alleged involvement in civilian deaths in Bucha.

Broader Regional Context and Security Timeline

The Moscow explosion took place less than 24 hours after a separate, massive Russian attack on Kyiv that killed nine people and injured 28 others. Authorities continue to investigate the sequence of events at Kudrinskaya Square as conflicting reports circulate across state and independent media channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the Moscow explosion happen?

The explosion occurred near an outdoor café close to a restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square in central Moscow, according to the Moscow Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

How many casualties were reported?

Local authorities confirmed that three people died and 15 others sustained injuries of varying severity.

Has the cause of the blast been officially determined?

No official cause has been released yet. While state media and pro-government channels suggested a possible gas cylinder failure, witnesses and staff disputed the presence or involvement of gas equipment inside the building.