Three people - including two police officers - have been killed in an explosion in Moscow, as reported by Russian authorities. The incident occurred on Yeletskaya Street when two traffic police officers approached a 'suspicious individual' near their patrol car, prompting the detonation of an explosive device, according to the Investigative Committee of Russia.
The deceased officers, Ilya Klimanov, 24, and Maxim Gorbunov, 25, succumbed to their injuries alongside another bystander. The blast site coincidentally aligns with the location where a high-ranking Russian general was assassinated just days earlier through a car bombing.
According to officials, Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov was killed after an explosive was detonate under his vehicle. The Investigative Committee's spokesperson, Svetlana Petrenko, confirmed that a criminal case is ongoing to investigate the attempted murder of the police officers.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with one resident recalling a loud explosion similar to that of the general's assassination. There are speculations regarding a potential connection between the two attacks.
In previous statements, Russian authorities have suggested Ukrainian involvement in the general's assassination, though Ukraine has yet to claim responsibility. This recent incident underscores the heightening tensions and security concerns in Moscow, particularly following a series of violent attacks targeting military officials.
