The Russian authorities announced that dozens, including children, were killed and injured in a terrorist attack targeting the “Crocus City Hall” entertainment and shopping center in the suburbs of Moscow on Friday evening.
The Russian Investigative Committee reported earlier today that the death toll from the terrorist attack in Krasnogorsk, a suburb of the capital, has risen to 93.
According to the Russian Investigative Committee, “more than 60 people died as a result of the terrorist attack,” with the toll expected to rise. The committee spoke of around 100 injured individuals.
Eyewitnesses reported that a number of men in camouflage clothing and without masks stormed the center shortly before a music show was due to start, firing at the audience in the lobby and the concert hall from close range and throwing incendiary grenades.
The attackers were armed with Kalashnikov rifles and had a large amount of ammunition, as stated by the Investigative Committee. The Federal Security Service of Russia reported that more than 100 people were injured.
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations released a verified list of the injured due to the terrorist act at around 4 a.m. today, containing 99 names.
Authorities confirmed that all the injured were evacuated from the scene, with ambulances transporting the wounded to 12 hospitals.
Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko stated that 115 people, including 5 children, were taken to hospitals, noting that 60 adults and one child were in critical condition.
Moscow region authorities announced that they would publish a list of the victims of the “Crocus” attack later today.
After a fire broke out at “Crocus,” firefighters evacuated about 100 people from the roof of the stricken building.
Aviation units participated in extinguishing the fire, with helicopters dumping approximately 160 tons of water on the fire site.
Authorities reported that the fire was contained by one o’clock after midnight, with officials expecting the extinguishing operation, involving 477 personnel and 183 pieces of equipment, to conclude in the early morning hours.
Rescue workers were able to enter the hall where the fire started, and which had its roof collapsed. The debris removal operation is ongoing.
Security measures in Moscow and its suburbs, including at airports and train stations, as well as in several other regions of the country, have been intensified.
