Deadly Attack Unfolds at Crocus City Hall Near Moscow
In a horrifying turn of events, Crocus City Hall, a concert venue in the Moscow region, became the scene of an armed attack, leaving scores dead and many more injured. Unidentified assailants opened fire within the hall, where a concert featuring the Picnic group was scheduled to take place. The situation escalated when an explosion rocked the building, igniting a fire that swiftly engulfed most of the structure.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed the devastating toll of the attack, reporting that at least 60 individuals lost their lives, with over 100 sustaining injuries. Russian agencies relayed distressing accounts, noting the extensive damage inflicted upon the concert hall.
Initial reports of gunfire emerged around 8 pm Moscow time, coinciding with the scheduled performance by the Picnic group. According to the FSB, preliminary figures indicated 40 fatalities and over 100 injuries.
Amidst the chaos, Crocus City Hall experienced multiple explosions, as reported by TASS and Interfax, citing operational sources. The second explosion, occurring an hour and a half after the initial attack, caused partial collapse of the building’s roof.
Emergency services sprang into action, swiftly evacuating approximately 100 individuals from the building’s basement. Rescue operations also commenced to extract people stranded on the rooftop.
Fortunately, all members of the Picnic group, as confirmed by their concert director Yuri Chernyshevsky, were safely evacuated from the premises along with the audience.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the region, underscoring the urgent need for swift action and heightened security measures to prevent further atrocities.
