A homemade bomb exploded during a private event at a restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday, killing two people as well as 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. The bomb went off before she entered, killing the security guard who stopped her and a customer.CNN reported.
Authorities did not immediately identify the woman or say what motivated her actions. It was also unclear whether she deliberately detonated the device.
The apparent targets were guests attending a private event on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace, Russian business daily Kommersant reported. Sources told the newspaper that the event was heavily guarded, which may have prevented a significantly higher death toll.
