Three people were killed, and at least 21 others were injured after a homemade bomb exploded at a restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, 1st August. Russian authorities said the blast took place shortly before 8 pm local time at Kudrinskaya Square, close to one of the city’s famous Stalin-era skyscrapers.
At least three people have been killed and around 21 injured after an explosion at a Moscow restaurant.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 1, 2026
Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee has said the explosion was caused by an IED.
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Blast took place outside Italian restaurant
According to Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee, the explosion took place near the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant. The restaurant had reportedly remained closed to the public on Saturday because it was hosting a private event.
Officials said an unidentified woman tried to enter the restaurant while carrying a homemade explosive device. A security guard stopped her before she could go inside. Moments later, the device exploded.
The woman carrying the bomb, the security guard and a customer at the restaurant died in the blast. Authorities said the injured suffered wounds of different levels of severity. Some people received minor injuries, while others were seriously hurt.
Investigation underway
Police investigators and forensic teams reached the spot soon after the explosion and sealed off the area. Videos shared by Russian state media and Telegram channels showed armed law enforcement officers, ambulances and fire engines outside the building as emergency teams carried out rescue and investigation work.
Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee confirmed that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) and has started an investigation to find out how the attack was planned and who was behind it.
Reports suggest device may have been triggered remotely
The Kommersant newspaper reported that the bomb may have been meant to target people sitting on the restaurant’s outdoor summer terrace. The report also suggested the explosive device could have been detonated remotely by someone else, raising the possibility that the woman carrying it may not have known she was transporting a bomb.
Russian state news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS said the security guard prevented the woman from entering the restaurant before the explosion occurred, a move that may have stopped the blast from causing even greater damage inside the building.
Russia has witnessed several terrorist attacks over the years, and investigators are continuing to examine all possible angles in this latest incident.
