At least 40 people have been killed after multiple gunmen opened fire at a Russian concert venue near Moscow today (March 22), as reported by Russian news outlet TASS [via The New York Times].
What Venue Was Attacked + Who Was Playing?
Russian rock band Picnic were set to perform a show at the Crocus City Hall outside Moscow in the town of Krasnogorsk when at least three individuals dressed in camouflage opened fire with automatic weapons.
The condition of the band members is not currently known.
In videos online, people can be heard screaming inside the hall as the gunshots started firing and echoing throughout the hall. Some videos showed individuals wounded on the ground as weapons were discharged.
Another report by RIA Novosti [via CNN] claims that the three gunmen also “threw a grenade or an incendiary bomb, which started a fire” within Crocus City Hall.
About 100 people are said to have been evacuated from the venue by firefighters, and video footage online shows the building engulfed in flames.
That video can be seen below.
Are There Casualties?
NBC Boston reports that Russia’s Federal Security Service has noted there are deaths and wounded, but no exact figures were provided.
READ MORE: 25 Rock + Metal Songs About Real Life Tragedies
Official Statements
“Today a terrible tragedy occurred in the Crocus City center. My condolences to the loved ones of the victims. I gave orders to provide all necessary assistance to everyone who suffered during the incident,” Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in a statement.
The U.S. Embassy in Russia received an alert on March 7 warning people to avoid large gatherings, stating that they received alerts that “extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours.”
This is a developing story.
Music’s Worst Concert Accidents and Tragedies
The possibility for danger always lurks whenever large groups of people get together, and that’s especially true at concerts and festivals.
Gallery Credit: UCR Staff
