Daijiworld Media Network – Moscow

Moscow, Aug 2: At least three people, including an unidentified woman suspected of carrying an improvised explosive device (IED), were killed and 21 others injured in a blast outside a restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, according to Russian state media citing local officials.

The explosion occurred at around 8:10 pm local time outside the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square. The restaurant had been closed to the public for a private banquet when the blast took place near its outdoor terrace.

According to Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee, the unidentified woman was allegedly attempting to enter the restaurant while carrying what investigators believe was an IED. The device detonated outside the entrance before she could gain access.

State news agency RIA Novosti reported that a security guard prevented the woman from entering the premises, after which the explosive device went off. The guard and a restaurant patron were killed in the blast along with the woman.

Authorities have not yet identified the woman or established a motive behind the incident. Investigators are also trying to determine whether the explosion was intentionally triggered or occurred accidentally.

The Moscow Investigative Committee has launched a probe into the incident, and further investigations are underway.