The central Moscow district of Kudrinskaya Square was the site of a devastating explosion at an outdoor cafe, resulting in the loss of at least three lives and 15 others being injured.
According to preliminary information, the blast occurred near the cafe around 8:10 pm local time, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake.
Police and emergency responders were quick to arrive on the scene, with dozens of vehicles and personnel working to contain the situation and provide aid to those affected.
Video footage from the scene captures the scale of the disaster, with emergency responders and investigators working to determine the cause of the explosion.
Initial reports suggest that the blast may have been caused by a gas leak, although this has yet to be officially confirmed by authorities.
The restaurant at the center of the blast, which was reserved for a wedding and serving around 50 people, has taken to social media to reassure patrons that they are "doing fine" and thanking those who have expressed concern and support.
Investigative teams and forensic experts are currently examining the scene, working to piece together the events leading up to the explosion and determine the cause of the disaster.
