A tragic incident struck Moscow's Crocus City Hall - one of Russia's prominent shopping and entertainment hubs - leaving a trail of devastation and despair.
According to the Russian Foreign Security Service, a shooting and explosion has claimed the lives of at least 40 individuals, with over 100 others sustaining injuries. The incident unfolded on Friday (March 22).
The magnitude of the attack prompted Russia's foreign ministry to classify it as a "terrorist attack", ABC News reports.
Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov described the chaotic aftermath, revealing that more than 70 ambulance teams rushed to the scene, alongside two firefighting helicopters battling to contain the raging inferno that engulfed a significant portion of the complex.
Vorobyov shared on Telegram that at least 21 individuals were hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the attack.
The assault reportedly unfolded as a group of up to five unidentified assailants stormed into the concert hall, unleashing a hail of gunfire from automatic weapons, as reported by state news outlet RIA Novosti. The situation escalated when the attackers deployed a grenade or incendiary device, igniting a blaze that quickly spread throughout the venue, causing extensive damage and chaos.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, local authorities took swift action, canceling public events in nearby areas and imposing a moratorium on all sports, cultural, and mass gatherings in Moscow for the weekend.
The Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was promptly briefed on the unfolding crisis and has been closely monitoring developments since the onset of the attack.
Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow has stated: "The U.S. Embassy in Moscow is horrified by reports coming from the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow. We offer our sincere condolences to the Russian people for the lives lost and to those injured in tonight’s attack."
The U.S Embassy in Moscow website adds: "At this time, U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to Russia. More information on the State Department’s Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) can be found on travel.state.gov."
Amidst speculation and accusations, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unequivocally denied any Ukrainian involvement in the incident, dismissing claims linking Ukrainian forces to the assault. Similarly, two pro-Ukrainian Russian military groups distanced themselves from any association with the attack.
The White House, though limited in its knowledge of the situation, expressed deep concern over the tragedy, with National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby conveying sympathy for the victims and their families. Urging caution, Kirby reiterated the State Department's advisory for Americans in Moscow to avoid large gatherings, emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant and informed amidst ongoing security concerns.
Our thoughts go out to everybody impacted by this tragedy.
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