Three people were killed and at least 15 injured in an explosion at a restaurant in central Moscow. A homemade explosive device detonated after a woman carrying the explosives was stopped by a security guard at the venue’s entrance.
An explosion at an Italian restaurant in central Moscow left three people dead and multiple injured on August 1, 2026. The blast occurred at around 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT) at Balzi Rossi, located in Kudrinskaya Square near the city center.
Explosion at Kudrinskaya Square Building
The restaurant occupies the base of one of Moscow’s famous Stalin-era skyscrapers, which were built in the 1950s. At the time of the blast, the exclusive establishment was holding a private function on its outdoor terrace, according to the restaurant’s website, which stated it was closed on Saturday for the private event. A witness told the Baza Telegram channel that the venue was hosting a wedding reception attended by about 50 people, adding that they saw people being brought out covered in blood after the explosion.
According to the National Anti-Terrorist Committee (NAK), a woman carrying a homemade explosive device tried to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard. The device detonated upon intervention, killing the woman, the security guard, and a visitor to the establishment.
Carmine Alfieri, Balzi Rossi chef, stated via Instagram that they were all fine and that their restaurant and kitchen were in perfect condition, noting that there had just been a minor issue at the restaurant entrance.
Casualties and Emergency Response Across Moscow
Reports on total injuries varied among sources covering the developing incident. The injured sustained wounds of varying seriousness, according to police, and emergency services continued working at the scene alongside investigators and forensic experts.
Roads surrounding the square were briefly closed off to members of the public. Dozens of cyclists who had been gathering nearby for an evening ride through the city canceled their event as emergency services descended on the area. Video footage released by Russia’s RIA news agency showed heavily armed law enforcement officers securing the cordoned-off scene.
Investigation by the Moscow Investigative Committee
Investigators, forensic experts, and emergency responders continued working at the site following the blast. The attack is actively being investigated by the Moscow Investigative Committee, which communicated details to the RIA news agency.
While initial reports from the Baza Telegram channel suggested the explosion happened in the establishment’s kitchen, the restaurant later issued a statement clarifying that there was a problem outside,
mirroring comments from Balzi Rossi chef Carmine Alfieri regarding an issue at the restaurant entrance. Russian authorities have not named those killed or injured, have not disclosed the guest list, and have yet to say who they think might have been responsible or who they believe was the target of the attack. In recent years, several senior Russian military figures have been assassinated in and around the Russian capital, with Moscow blaming Kyiv for those attacks.
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