Terrorist attack in Moscow: over 154 dead and 145 injured

Photo: TASS

MOSCOW, March 23 /TASS/. Unidentified persons carried out a terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall complex in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region. According to the latest data, more than 154 people were killed (updated 09:07 AM) and 145 others were wounded. Security measures have been tightened in Moscow and the regions, and mass events have been cancelled. Leaders of many countries have condemned the terrorist attack and expressed their condolences over the deaths of innocent people.

Circumstances of the incident
A group of unidentified gunmen armed with assault rifles opened fire in the hall and then inside the concert hall just before a concert by the rock band Picnic, eyewitnesses said. Later, an explosion occurred in the building and a fire broke out.

According to the latest information, the fire at Crocus City Hall affected an area of 12 900 square metres, with the roof partially collapsing. Helicopters were mainly used to extinguish the fire. The Ministry of Emergency Situations announced at around 01:00 Moscow time on Saturday that the fire had been located.

Victims
According to the latest figures provided by the Investigative Committee, more than 154 people died in the terrorist attack. The death toll may rise, the Investigative Committee noted.

Around 115 people have been hospitalized, including five children, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said. More than 30 people have requested outpatient care.

Sixty people are in serious condition since the wounded were taken. Almost all necessary operations have been carried out, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said.

Reaction of the authorities
Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed of the incident minutes after it began, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. The president is constantly supplied with information from all relevant services and has issued "all necessary instructions", Peskov stressed.

The heads of the Federal Security Service, the Interior Ministry, the Investigative Committee and the National Guard reported to Putin on the investigation into the terrorist attack, the Kremlin later said. In addition, Russian Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov informed the president about the measures taken to rescue people and provide all necessary assistance.

Putin also spoke with Deputy Prime Minister Golikova, Health Minister Murakami and Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov, the president's press service reported.

The Federal Security Service said special services are conducting a search operation. The Investigative Committee has opened an investigation into the terrorist attack.

The investigating committee later said that weapons and armaments had been collected at the site.

Security measures and cancellation of events
Mass actions planned for 23 and 24 March in Moscow and other regions have been cancelled. Federal cultural bodies will not hold similar events in the following days.

Due to the tragedy, Moscow theatres are cancelling performances, cinemas and museums are suspending operations, and some universities have announced the cancellation of Saturday classes.

Security measures have been tightened at Moscow's airports and railway stations. A number of other regions have announced tighter security measures.

Reactions in the world
A number of countries condemned the terrorist attack and expressed their condolences over the deaths. Among the first to express his condolences was Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who expressed his belief that the organisers and perpetrators of the attack should be justly punished. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the country's law and order forces to provide assistance to their Russian counterparts if necessary.

Statements were made by friendly and hostile countries, including a number of European states, including Belgium, Hungary, Germany, Italy, France and others, as well as Canada and New Zealand. The US White House has described this terrorist attack as horrific.

Mikhail Podolyak, an adviser to the head of Ukraine's presidential office, said Kiev had nothing to do with the incident. US authorities believe there is no indication that Ukraine or Ukrainians were involved in the terrorist attack.

Moreover, the White House said it was not aware of any possible connection between the events at Crocus City Hall and the warning issued by the US embassy in Moscow in early March about possible extremist attacks. The Russian Foreign Ministry said the US response to the terrorist attack raises questions.

TASS/gnews.cz-JaV_07

https://tass.com/emergencies/1764581