Gunmen started shooting at a Moscow concert hall on Friday, causing the death of at least 60 people, injuring over 100, and starting a large fire. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Attackers in camouflage entered the building, shot at people, and threw a grenade or bomb, according to a journalist for the RIA Novosti news agency at the scene.
The fire quickly spread through the Crocus City concert hall in Moscow’s northern Krasnogorsk suburb, filling the building with smoke and causing visitors to rush to emergency exits while screaming.
Alexei, a music producer, was getting ready to sit down for a rock concert when he heard gunfire and “a lot of screams”.
“I realized immediately that it was automatic gunfire and realized that it was most likely a terrorist attack,” said Alexei, who would not give his last name.
As people fled to emergency exits, there was a terrible crush, with concert-goers climbing over each other to get out, he added.
Russia’s FSB security service stated that at least 40 people were killed and over 100 others were injured, as reported by Russian media.
Russia’s Health Minister Mikhail Murashko reported that 115 people were hospitalized, including five children, with one in critical condition. Of the 110 adult patients, 60 were in serious condition.
Authorities stated that a “terrorist” investigation had been initiated, and President Vladimir Putin was receiving “constant” updates, according to his spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Russia’s national guard confirmed they were on the scene and searching for the perpetrators. An AFP reporter saw police officers with sniffer dogs inspecting vehicles parked next to the building.
The Islamic State group claimed its fighters attacked “a large gathering” on Moscow’s outskirts and “retreated to their bases safely”.
– Fire contained –
Telegram news channels Baza and Mash, which are linked to security forces, showed video footage of flames and black smoke pouring from the hall.
Other images also showed concert-goers hiding behind seats or trying to escape.
Security services quoted by Interfax said between two and five people “wearing tactical uniforms and carrying automatic weapons” opened fire on guards at the entrance and then started shooting at the audience.
About 100 people escaped through the theatre basement, while others were sheltering on the roof, the emergency services ministry said on its Telegram channel.
Three helicopters were involved in efforts to put out the fire, dumping water on the giant concert hall that can hold several thousand people and has hosted top international artists.
Shortly after midnight, the emergencies ministry said the fire had been contained.
– ‘Odious crime’ –
Outside the burning building, heartbroken relatives of those at the concert spoke of hopelessness as they frantically tried to contact loved ones.
Semyon, 33, whose wife attended, said “nobody knows” where she is. “I’ve called five hospitals, all busy,” he said. “I’m in a complete panic, my whole body hurts.”
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia's foreign ministry, described the incident as a "bloody terrorist attack."
She mentioned on Telegram that the entire international community should condemn this dreadful crime.
The US presidency labeled the attack as "terrible" and stated that there was no immediate indication of any connection to the conflict in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian presidency stated that Kyiv was not involved in the attack, while its military intelligence referred to it as a Russian "provocation," alleging that Moscow's special services were responsible.
The Freedom of Russia Legion, a pro-Ukrainian militia known for attacking Russia's border regions, also denied any involvement.
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev declared on Telegram that Ukraine's top officials should be located and decisively dealt with as terrorists if they were linked to the attack.
The European Union, France, Spain, and Italy joined other countries in condemning the attack, with Italian premier Giorgia Meloni condemning it as "an odious act of terrorism."
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed "solidarity with the victims, their loved ones and all the Russian people."
Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Orthodox church, was described by his spokesman, Vladimir Legoyda, as "praying for peace for the souls of the dead."
– Previous warnings –
Previous attacks by Islamist groups have targeted Moscow and other Russian cities, although there have also been incidents with no clear political motive.
Earlier this month, the US embassy in Russia mentioned that it was keeping an eye on reports of "extremists" planning to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts.
In 2002, Chechen separatist fighters took 912 people hostage in a Moscow theatre, the Dubrovka, demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from the region.
Security forces used gas to subdue the gunmen during a special forces operation to end the hostage-taking at the theatre, resulting in the deaths of 130 people, most of whom suffocated.
by AFP
