An explosion near a cafe in Russia's capital city of Moscow on Saturday evening has resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, with an additional fifteen people sustaining injuries. The blast occurred near a summer terrace on the ground floor of a historic Stalin-era skyscraper in Kudrinskaya Square.

Authorities reported the incident took place around 8:10 PM local time. The injured are currently receiving medical attention for varying degrees of seriousness. The cause of the explosion remains officially under investigation.

Russian state television has suggested the possibility of a detonating gas canister as the cause, though this has not been independently verified by news agencies. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area surrounding the Balzi Rossi restaurant, which was adjacent to the blast site.

Further reports from Russian media, including the Baza Telegram channel, also pointed towards a gas explosion within the cafe's kitchen. However, a different monitoring channel, ASTRA, cited witnesses who claimed a birthday celebration for a general was underway near the location of the explosion. This specific claim has not been corroborated by official sources.

Emergency services, including police and firefighters, were immediately deployed to the scene. Traffic in the vicinity of Kudrinskaya Square was temporarily halted, and entrances to the Barrikadnaya metro station were closed to the public as investigations commenced.

The incident occurred in a prominent area of Moscow, known for its distinctive Stalinist architecture. The seven skyscrapers of this era are iconic landmarks in the city.

Details regarding the specific nature of the cafe and the circumstances surrounding the alleged birthday celebration remain unconfirmed. Authorities have stated that all investigative avenues are being pursued to determine the precise cause of the explosion.

As of the latest reports, the full extent of the damage and the specific identities of those affected have not been released. The investigation is ongoing, with officials expected to provide further updates as information becomes available.