Moscow: An explosion at a luxury Italian restaurant in Moscow has resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left 21 others injured. The incident took place on Saturday night at the Balzi Rossi restaurant, located beneath a Stalinist-era skyscraper in Kudrinskaya Square.

According to Thai News Agency, the explosion occurred around 8:00 PM local time and was reported by Russian news agencies citing the Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee. The blast claimed the lives of a suspected female bomb-carrying suspect, a security guard, and a customer. Several of the injured remain in serious condition.

Local media in Russia detailed that the woman attempted to bring an improvised explosive device (IED) filled with metal projectiles into the restaurant. Security personnel intercepted her, leading to the explosion near the entrance or on the outdoor terrace. The restaurant was hosting a private party at the time, speculated to be a birthday celebration for a high-ranking Russian military officer. Investigative sources suggest the bomb may have been remotely detonated, and the woman might have been unaware of the contents she was carrying.

A Russian investigative committee has launched a probe into the incident as a potential terrorist attack. Despite no group claiming responsibility, and the perpetrators not being officially identified, this incident comes during a period of increased security in Moscow. The city has been on high alert following a series of targeted assassinations of prominent Russian military officials, which Russian authorities often attribute to Ukrainian intelligence activities.