The death toll from the attack on a concert hall in Moscow has risen sharply, with more than 60 people reported killed, according to the Investigative Committee. Initial reports had indicated 40 casualties. The Investigative Committee has labeled the incident as a terrorist attack and warned that the casualty count may increase further as bodies are examined.
Gunmen dressed in camouflage uniforms stormed into the Crocus City concert hall, located in the Krasnogorsk suburb of northern Moscow, unleashing gunfire and reportedly hurling explosives. The attack caused a rapid spread of fire throughout the venue, which is capable of hosting several thousand attendees and has previously hosted renowned international artists.
President Vladimir Putin has been receiving regular updates on the situation, according to his spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Telegram news channels associated with security forces have broadcasted videos showing flames and smoke billowing from the hall, alongside distressing scenes of concert-goers attempting to flee or take cover.
The concert, featuring the Russian rock band Piknik, was abruptly interrupted by the violence. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the incident as a “terrible tragedy” and announced the cancellation of all public events in the city for the weekend.
Security sources reported that between two to five assailants, armed with automatic weapons, initiated the attack by targeting guards at the entrance before firing upon the audience. Attendees were forced to lie on the ground for safety for an extended period before being able to escape.
Emergency services confirmed that around 100 individuals managed to flee through the theatre’s basement, while others sought refuge on the roof. However, approximately one-third of the complex was engulfed in flames, complicating rescue efforts.
Russian authorities swiftly condemned the attack, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova branding it a “bloody terrorist act” that warrants international condemnation. While there is no immediate indication of a connection to the conflict in Ukraine, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned of severe consequences if Ukrainian officials were implicated.
As a major security operation unfolds around the theatre and nearby areas, Moscow’s Orthodox Church leader, Patriarch Kirill, offered prayers for the victims. The incident bears echoes of past terror attacks in Moscow, including the infamous 2002 siege at the Dubrovka theatre by Chechen separatists, which resulted in a significant loss of life.
Amid heightened tensions and ongoing security concerns, both domestically and internationally, the assault on the concert hall underscores the persistent threat posed by terrorism in the region.
Comments