MOSCOW: The death toll in the Moscow concert attack has risen to “more than 60,” according to the Russian Investigative Committee’s statement on Saturday.
Initial reports indicated 40 fatalities, but the number is expected to increase as authorities continue to examine the bodies of the deceased, stated the Investigative Committee.
The attack on a concert hall in a Moscow suburb on Friday resulted in at least 60 deaths and over 100 injuries.
Armed individuals opened fire at the concert hall, followed by a major fire that engulfed the building, as reported by Russian media.
Confirmation of the incident came from Moscow’s mayor and Russian news agencies.
According to RIA Novosti, attackers dressed in camouflage entered the building, initiating gunfire and throwing grenades or incendiary devices.
The fire quickly spread throughout the Crocus City Hall in northern Moscow, a venue capable of hosting thousands of people and renowned for hosting concerts by top international artists.
Emergency services reported that unidentified individuals fired upon Crocus City Hall, with ongoing evacuation efforts.
Automatic gunfire caused casualties within the hall, as reported by RIA Novosti correspondents.
The US presidency extended condolences to the victims, referring to the incident as “terrible” and expressing efforts to gather more information.
Moscow’s mayor announced the cancellation of all planned public events in the capital for the weekend following the deadly attack.
Russia’s foreign ministry condemned the incident as a “terrorist attack.”
Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the occurrence as a “terrible tragedy” during a concert by the Russian rock band Piknik.
Attendees took cover on the ground for 15 to 20 minutes during the shooting, before safely evacuating. Security forces were present at the scene.
Approximately 100 people escaped through the theater basement, while others sought refuge on the roof, as stated by the emergency services ministry on Telegram.
Telegram news channels Mash and Baza, known for their proximity to security forces, shared videos depicting flames and black smoke emanating from the concert hall.
