Explosion at Moscow Train Station Confirmed as Suicide Attack
The explosion outside a major train station in Moscow that resulted in the death of a traffic police officer and injuries to two others has been identified as a suicide attack, according to Russian officials.
Russia's Interior Ministry reported that the officers were patrolling their vehicle at Savyolovsky Station Square, located north of the city centre, when "an unidentified device was detonated" by "an unknown individual." Authorities are currently investigating the explosion, which occurred just after midnight on Tuesday local time (21:05 GMT on Monday). The motive behind the attack has not yet been determined.
Victims and Investigation Details
Svetlana Petrenko, spokeswoman for the Russian Investigative Committee, stated that both the suspect and the police officer died at the scene.
"The identity of the man is being determined,"
Petrenko added that the committee is also examining whether the perpetrator had any accomplices.
An unnamed source informed Moscow-based station Ren TV that the attacker was a Russian citizen. Officials have not released further information regarding the explosive device used in the attack.
The Interior Ministry noted in a statement that the attacker approached the officers from Moscow's north-eastern district.
A criminal case has been initiated against the perpetrator for attempting to take the life of a law enforcement officer and for charges related to the explosive device. Law enforcement agencies are collaborating to "establish all the circumstances," the ministry added.
Injuries and Medical Condition
The two officers injured in the explosion were transported to hospital with various injuries. Medical sources cited by the news agency Tass reported that the officers are in serious condition.
Identification of the Fallen Officer
The Interior Ministry identified the officer who was killed as 34-year-old Police Lieutenant Denis Bratuschenko, a senior inspector in the traffic police. He joined the force in 2019 and is survived by his wife and two children.
"The leadership and personnel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia express their sincere condolences to the family,"
said Irina Volk, the ministry's spokeswoman.
Previous Incidents Involving Traffic Police
This incident is not the first time traffic police officers have been killed in explosions in Moscow. In December, two officers died after an explosive device detonated when they approached a "suspicious individual" to detain him.
