A blast in an upscale residential block in Moscow killed one person and injured four others early Monday, according to Russian news agencies citing emergency officials.
The cause of the explosion was not immediately disclosed. Those injured were hospitalized in critical condition, Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti reported, citing Moscow health officials.
Footage released by the Investigative Committee of Russia showed extensive damage, including shattered glass doors and collapsed suspended ceilings inside the building.
Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the explosion on charges of murder by means injurious to the public and attempted murder of two or more individuals, the Investigative Committee confirmed.
Russian state news agencies Tass and RIA Novosti, citing law enforcement sources, identified one of the wounded as Armen Sarkisyan. Sarkisyan is the founder of a volunteer battalion involved in the Ukraine conflict and leads a boxing federation in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region.
According to RIA Novosti, Sarkisyan is listed as wanted in Ukraine, though the agency did not specify the charges. Tass reported that Sarkisyan’s bodyguard was killed in the explosion.
Officials have not yet provided further details on the cause of the blast or possible suspects. The investigation is ongoing.
AP
