A Powerful Explosion Rocked Central Moscow

• 1.08.2026, 20:48

There are fatalities and injuries.

On the evening of August 1, an explosion rocked the Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow, located on the ground floor of a high-rise building on Kudrinskaya Square.

According to reports from the Russian Telegram channels Baza, Mash, and “Ostorozhno, Novosti,” the explosion occurred in the restaurant’s guest area, where a private event was taking place.

A major fire broke out in the restaurant following the explosion. The fire was classified as a third-degree fire. A large number of fire crews, ambulances, and police were dispatched to the scene. Traffic near the high-rise building was blocked off.

The publication ASTRA, citing an eyewitness, reported that a Russian general’s birthday may have been celebrated at the restaurant. Near the restaurant, there were many cars with black license plates, which are typically used by the Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation. A Rosgvardia bus was also spotted near the restaurant.

According to preliminary information from Mash, three people were killed and seven others were injured. However, other sources report 16–20 injured. The exact number of victims has not yet been officially confirmed.

The cause of the explosion is currently unknown. Emergency services are on the scene.