The city of Moscow was rocked by tragedy on Friday night as at least 115 people were killed and more than 140 injured in a horrific attack at a popular concert venue near the Russian capital. This devastating act of terrorism marks the deadliest incident in Moscow in over a decade.
The attackers, armed with automatic rifles, stormed into the Crocus City Hall building just before a sold-out rock concert was set to begin. They unleashed chaos by setting the building on fire with explosives and flammable liquids, causing panic among the concert-goers who tried to flee the scene. The fire quickly spread, engulfing a large portion of the building and leading to the collapse of parts of the roof.
Russian law enforcement reported that the victims died from gunshot wounds and smoke inhalation, with many of the injured suffering from burns. Emergency services dispatched helicopters to extinguish the fire and rescue those stranded on the roof. The fire was finally contained early Saturday morning, with efforts to extinguish it continuing until 5 a.m.
Authorities have detained 11 individuals in connection to the attack, including the four terrorists directly involved. While a branch of the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, Russian officials have not commented on this claim. There are indications that Russia may attempt to shift blame to Ukraine, with the F.S.B. stating that the attackers had tried to flee in that direction.
In the wake of this tragedy, President Vladimir V. Putin, who recently claimed victory in a presidential election, has expressed condolences to the victims and their families. The attack has shattered the sense of security that Muscovites have enjoyed in recent years, evoking memories of past terrorist incidents that plagued the city in the 2000s.
As the investigation into this heinous act continues, the people of Moscow are left grappling with the aftermath of this senseless violence, mourning the lives lost and hoping for a swift recovery for the injured.
