A renowned Moscow region concert venue and shopping centre is on fire on Friday evening, following reports of a mass shooting incident.
At least three gunmen, wearing combat fatiques, burst into Crocus City hall and fired automatic weapons, injuring dozens of patrons and killing a significant number of them, according to Russian media.
Some media report that 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured as a result of the shooting. No official confirmation has been issued yet.
Press outlets report the use of explosives and video shows black smoke rising above the building. State news wire service TASS suggests up to a third of the huge complex has been engulfed in flames.
The agency has added that special forces soldiers from the Russian Guard have arrived at the location. Meanwhille, there are unconfirmed claims that helicopters have been sent to extinguish the blaze.
“We were sitting in the center of the hall. The concert began, just a couple of minutes passed, one or two grenades exploded in the middle, gray smoke started pouring out. Panic began,” an eyewitness told RIA Novosti.
BREAKING: There’s an ongoing terrorist attack at a concert hall in Moscow, multiple fatalities reported. pic.twitter.com/ULnATgiyVM
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) March 22, 2024
BREAKING: Several armed men have forcibly entered the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow, initiating gunfire targeting everyone inside. Video footage depicts the assailants firing at both civilians and security personnel, with people in panic leaving the building. pic.twitter.com/T324ihV9xK
— I Meme Therefore I Am ?? (@ImMeme0) March 22, 2024
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin has ordered city services to provide all necessary assistance to everyone who has been injured. He expressed condolences to the relatives of those killed.
Crocus City Hall is located in Moscow Region, right outside the administrative boundary of the Russian capital. The complex includes a concert hall, an aquarium, and a wedding venue along with many shops and restaurants.
NOW – Crocus City Hall near Moscow is on fire after several gunmen opened fire in the concert hall.pic.twitter.com/cdxJvSgLeo
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) March 22, 2024
[GRAPHIC]
The moment tеrrоrists entered the Crocus City Hall in Moscow pic.twitter.com/kwgGglvjiV
— What the media hides. (@narrative_hole) March 22, 2024
Major attack unfolding right now at a concert venue in Krasnogorsk, Moscow.
At least 12 dead, possible explosions.
A few weeks ago, the US warned of the possibility of an extremist group attack *specifically* at Moscow-area concerts. pic.twitter.com/TjsiS67j2n
— Kareem Rifai ? (@KareemRifai) March 22, 2024
BREAKING
People escape the Crocus City Hall in Moscow during a tеrrоrist attack with automatic weapons
A large explosion happened in the area pic.twitter.com/U6IHZDW6ku
— What the media hides. (@narrative_hole) March 22, 2024
Editor’s note: The terror attack comes days after the US Embassy warned earlier this month that “extremists” could soon target “concerts” in the Russian capital city.
A shooting attack is unfolding outside of Moscow right now. More details soon.
Earlier this month the U.S. embassy advised Americans to avoid large gatherings in the Russian capital for 48 hours. It’s not clear if that warning and the event today are related. pic.twitter.com/tlktucSYHc
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) March 22, 2024
