Two suicide bombers blew themselves up on Monday in two trains on Moscow’s metro system, killing more than 40 people during morning rush-hour and injuring dozens more.
The first explosion took place on the train after stopping in the Lubyanka station in central Moscow, close to the headquarters of Russia’s FSB security service. Minutes later, a second explosion went off in a carriage as the train was on the platform at the Park Kultury metro station, also in central Moscow.
Moscow’s chief prosecutor said the attacks, the deadliest in the capital for several years, were caused by suicide bombers wearing belts packed with explosives.
A Russian official said”We can assume that belts with explosive devices were attached to their bodies,”
“The scenario was similar at Park Kultury” the second metro station to be attacked.
He said that “At least 20 people were killed in the first explosion and 15 dead in the second” and he added : “These are not the definitive tolls yet, but at the moment it is time to concentrate on saving lives.”
Rescue workers rushed to the scene but the ITAR-TASS news agency said that emergency services were late on sight due to the early morning rush hour traffic.
Scores of orange and red trucks from the emergency services and fire departments could be seen at Lubyanka Square where the metro stations are situated.
An emergency services helicopter landed on Lubyanka Square, home to the FSB security service, the successor of the KGB secret police.
While the affected stations and lines were shut, some metro lines were still open and police were checking people’s suitcases and large bags.
It is not known yet who is responsible for the attack but the line in which the attack took place is used by Russian security forces which suggests the attack was carefully planned.
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