Bomb explodes at Moscow restaurant, killing two victims and woman suspected of delivering device

(CNN) — A homemade bomb exploded at a restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday, killing two people and the woman suspected of carrying the device, and injuring 21 others, according to state news agency RIA Novosti, which cited Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee.

An unidentified woman attempted to enter Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square carrying what authorities believe was an improvised explosive device, the committee said. A security guard stopped her from entering before the device exploded, killing the woman and the guard. A restaurant customer was also killed.

Authorities did not immediately identify the woman or say what motivated her actions. It was also unclear whether she deliberately detonated the device.

The blast happened around 8:10 p.m. local time (1:10 p.m. ET) near an outdoor terrace at Building 1 on Kudrinskaya Square, outside the entrance to the upscale restaurant Balzi Rossi, according to Russian state news agency TASS, which cited the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

At the time of the blast, the restaurant was closed to the public for a private banquet, according to its website.

An investigative task force and emergency personnel were at work at the scene.

The Kudrinskaya Square Building is one of Moscow’s famous “Seven Sisters,” a group of Stalinist skyscrapers built in the 1950s. The residential landmark sits along the Garden Ring in Moscow’s central Presnensky district.

The Balzi Rossi restaurant is located at the base of the tower. Balzi Rossi chef Carmine Alfieri thanked people for their support following the blast. Alfieri said the staff were safe and described what happened as “a minor issue.”

“We’re all fine, and our restaurant and kitchen are in perfect condition; there was just a minor issue at the restaurant entrance,” Alfieri said on Instagram without elaborating.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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