Fatal explosion at a cafe in central Moscow

An explosion occurred on the evening of August 1, 2026, at a cafe located on Kudrinskaya Square in central Moscow. According to Russian authorities, the incident took place at approximately 8:10 p.m. local time, leading to three confirmed deaths. While initial reports from the Russian Ministry of Health and other agencies cited 15 injuries of varying severity, some reports have suggested the number of injured reached 21.

Emergency services, police, and fire brigades were deployed to the scene to provide medical assistance and secure the perimeter. Authorities temporarily closed the surrounding streets and blocked access to the Barrikadnaya metro station as part of the emergency response. The exact cause of the blast remains under official investigation. Media reports provide conflicting accounts regarding the origin of the explosion; while some outlets suggest a potential gas cylinder leak, other reports mention the possibility of an improvised explosive device. The area currently remains cordoned off as authorities continue their inquiries into the event.