An explosion near a restaurant in central Moscow killed at least three people and injured more than 20 others on Saturday, according to Russian authorities.
The blast occurred near the summer terrace of the Balzi Rossi restaurant at Kudrinskaya Square at about 8:10 p.m. local time.
Police, firefighters and emergency services were deployed to the scene as authorities launched an investigation.
Traffic near the square was temporarily blocked, while entrances to the Barrikadnaya metro station were temporarily closed.
The injured were taken for medical treatment, with officials saying they sustained injuries of varying severity.
Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee said the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device.
Earlier local media reports had suggested the blast may have resulted from a gas canister explosion, but authorities later identified the device as homemade.
The committee said those killed were a security guard who attempted to stop a woman suspected of carrying the explosive device into the restaurant, the woman herself, and a restaurant customer.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Russian authorities have not announced any further findings regarding responsibility for the explosion.
The Interior Ministry said the blast occurred near Building 1 on Kudrinskaya Square and confirmed that police and emergency personnel responded immediately.
Armed security forces sealed off access to the restaurant as investigators examined the area.
The Telegram monitoring channel ASTRA, citing witnesses, reported that a birthday celebration for a general was taking place at the restaurant when the explosion occurred.
That report could not be independently verified, and Russian authorities have not confirmed the claim.
Officials have not released additional details about the investigation or possible motives as inquiries continue.