Around 100 individuals managed to flee through the theatre's basement while others sought refuge on the roof, as reported by the emergency services ministry on its Telegram channel.
A tragic incident unfolded on Friday as gunmen unleashed chaos at a rock concert in a Moscow suburb, claiming the lives of at least 40 individuals, injuring over 100, and igniting a devastating blaze within the theater, authorities confirmed.
Clad in camouflage attire, the assailants stormed into the venue, indiscriminately firing shots and hurling explosive devices, according to an eyewitness account from a journalist with the RIA Novosti news agency.
The ensuing fire swiftly engulfed the Crocus City concert hall, situated in the Krasnogorsk suburb of northern Moscow, renowned for hosting performances by top international artists and capable of accommodating thousands of attendees.
Preliminary reports from the FSB security service, as relayed by Interfax news agency and other Russian media outlets, indicate a death toll of 40, with over 100 sustaining injuries in what authorities are treating as a terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall.
President Vladimir Putin has been kept abreast of developments, with his spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that a continuous flow of updates is being provided on the situation.
Telegram news channels Baza and Mash, known for their close ties to security forces, aired footage depicting flames and thick smoke billowing from the venue. Additionally, distressing scenes captured individuals fleeing or seeking cover within the hall.
Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin expressed profound sorrow over the "terrible tragedy" that unfolded during the performance by Russian rock band Piknik, prompting the cancellation of all public events in the city for the weekend.
Security sources cited by Interfax revealed that between two to five assailants, outfitted in tactical gear and armed with automatic weapons, initiated the assault by targeting guards at the entrance before turning their weapons on the audience.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing ordeal of being forced to the ground for protection during a prolonged shooting spree, lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes, before managing to crawl to safety when the gunfire subsided.
Approximately 100 individuals made their escape through the theater's basement, while others sought refuge on the rooftop, according to updates provided by the emergency services ministry.
Despite efforts to contain the blaze, reports from TASS news agency indicate that a significant portion of the complex remained ablaze.
Russia's foreign ministry condemned the incident as a "bloody terrorist attack," calling for global condemnation of the heinous act.
While expressing condolences to the bereaved families, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev urged for a relentless pursuit of those responsible, particularly if any connections to Ukraine were established.
As a massive security operation unfolded around the theater and nearby establishments, TASS reported the deployment of special police forces and anti-riot squads to the Crocus hall, ensuring the safe evacuation of all members of the rock band.
Amidst prayers for the departed souls offered by Orthodox church leader Patriarch Kirill's spokesman, Vladimir Legoyda, attention turned to previous warnings and historical parallels, with reminders of past extremist threats targeting large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts.
The tragic incident recalls the specter of the 2002 Moscow theatre siege by Chechen separatists, resulting in a deadly outcome. Notably, despite ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, both Ukrainian authorities and the Freedom of Russia Legion denied involvement in the concert hall attack.
AFP