An explosion rocked central Moscow on Saturday evening, killing at least three people and injuring 21, according to Russian officials. The blast occurred near a restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square around 8:10 p.m. local time.

Officials identified the victims as a security guard, a bystander, and the female suspect who detonated the improvised explosive device. The incident has prompted a significant emergency response, with law enforcement and emergency services converging on the scene.

Details indicate the explosion took place near a summer café. The Interior Ministry confirmed the time and approximate location of the blast. The Department of Transportation announced that traffic in the vicinity of Kudrinskaya Square has been temporarily blocked to facilitate the ongoing investigation and ensure public safety.

The incident raises immediate concerns about security in the capital and the nature of the explosive device used. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses, though the immediate focus is on tending to the injured and securing the area.

The use of an improvised explosive device suggests a deliberate act, and authorities will be working to determine the motive behind the attack and whether any other individuals were involved. The presence of a female suspect among the fatalities is a notable detail that investigators will likely explore.

Moscow has experienced security challenges in the past, and any incident involving fatalities and explosives immediately draws significant attention from both domestic and international observers. The precise cause and the target of the explosion remain under investigation.

While the source material does not provide specific details about the type of restaurant or the area's general atmosphere, Kudrinskaya Square is a known location in the city. The number of injured suggests the blast had a considerable impact on the surrounding area, potentially affecting patrons of the café or passersby.

Further investigation will likely focus on identifying the source of the explosive device, the suspect's background, and any potential accomplices. The immediate aftermath involves assessing the full extent of the damage and providing support to those affected by the blast.