Deadly bomb blast at Moscow restaurant

Three people were killed and 21 others were injured in a bomb explosion that struck an Italian restaurant on Kudrinskaya square in the heart of Moscow, according to reports from Russian state media. The incident occurred at about 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on the evening of 3 August 2026.

The National Anti‑Terrorist Committee said a woman carrying a homemade explosive device tried to force her way into the restaurant, which was hosting a private dinner event, but was stopped by a security guard. Despite the security barrier, the device detonated near the entrance, creating a shockwave that shattered windows and caused the casualties.

BBC’s Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg, was on the scene and provided live coverage of the emergency response. Rescue teams rushed to the area, treating survivors and securing the perimeter.

Police investigators are currently trying to determine the motive and whether the attack was part of a larger campaign. The incident has sparked concerns about public safety in the Russian capital.

Sources say the blast has prompted heightened security measures around major public venues across Moscow, and authorities have called for calm while an investigation continues.