Number of wounded in Moscow cafe blast rises to 21 — National Anti-Terrorism Committee

Lead

An explosion at an Italian restaurant in Moscow has killed at least three people and injured 21, according to Russian officials. The blast occurred on Kudrinskaya square near the city centre, at approximately 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT), as reported by the BBC, citing security officials.

Coverage Comparison

The BBC and Russia's state news agency TASS both reported on the incident, with consistent figures for casualties and the cause of the explosion. BBC reported at least three dead and 21 injured, while TASS, quoting the National Anti-Terrorist Committee, confirmed that 21 people were injured, later revising the number upwards from an earlier figure of 15. TASS also specified that three people were killed: a security guard, the woman who brought the device, and a visitor.

Both outlets identified the explosive as a homemade or improvised device. The BBC described it as a "homemade explosive device," while TASS used "improvised explosive device." The BBC added that the restaurant was hosting a private event at the time, a detail not mentioned in the TASS report.

Key Claims

• At least three people were killed and 21 injured in the explosion, as reported by both the BBC and TASS.
• A woman brought an improvised explosive device to the restaurant, according to both outlets.
• The blast occurred at an Italian restaurant in Moscow, a detail carried by the BBC.
• A security guard prevented the woman from entering the restaurant and was killed in the explosion, as reported by TASS.
• The restaurant was holding a private event at the time, according to the BBC.
• The explosion occurred on Kudrinskaya square near the city centre, as reported by the BBC.

Perspectives

National Anti-Terrorism Committee

The committee, quoted by TASS, confirmed the casualty figures and stated that a woman brought an improvised explosive device to the eatery. It detailed the sequence: the device went off at 07:55 p.m. Moscow time, killing the security guard who had stopped the woman, the woman herself, and one visitor. The committee said search and investigative actions are underway.

BBC Reporting

The BBC's report, citing security officials, emphasized the civilian setting—an Italian restaurant during a private event—and the role of the security guard in stopping the woman. The BBC's Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg, reported from the scene, adding a ground-level perspective on the incident.