Explosion rocks elite Moscow restaurant amid reports of generals' private party
A strong blast hit the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square in central Moscow on August 1, sparking a fire and causing reported casualties. Unconfirmed reports suggest the venue had been closed for a private banquet possibly attended by Russian generals.
At 22:36 on August 1, a powerful explosion struck a first-floor restaurant in a high-rise building in Moscow's Kudrinskaya Square. The blast, which occurred in the guest area of the elite Balzi Rossi restaurant, was followed by a fire. Russian media and Telegram channels reported deaths and injuries, but the numbers varied.
Witnesses said a large number of emergency services soon arrived at the scene. More than 20 ambulances and rescue vehicles were reportedly deployed, and nearby streets were closed to traffic. Injured people were carried out on stretchers. Graphic footage shared on social media showed body parts outside the restaurant and screams from inside the building.
Initial Telegram reports mentioned at least ten wounded people and one person in critical condition. The Baza channel reported one dead and 16 injured, while the Kremlin-linked Mash channel said three people had died. No official casualty count had been released at the time of reporting.
The investigation-focused outlet ASTRA noted that the restaurant was closed to regular visitors on the day of the explosion because a private banquet was being held there. One eyewitness told ASTRA that Russian generals were present and that the event may have been a birthday celebration. Photos and videos from the scene reportedly showed many cars with black license plates, commonly used by Russian military and security forces, as well as a bus belonging to the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya).
Later, Russian media speculated that the birthday being celebrated could have been that of Alexander Chaiko, commander-in-chief of Russia's Aerospace Forces. In 2022, Chaiko led Russia's 'Vostok' military grouping during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. ASTRA stressed that the presence of generals and the identity of the banquet participants had not been officially confirmed.
The cause of the explosion is also unclear. Mash initially suggested a gas leak, but Telegram users questioned that version, saying the building has no gas connection. Russian authorities had not yet provided an official explanation or a final victim count.
