By Varonica Kharakov from Moscow for Dispatch News Desk news agency
Moscow, Russia: A blast that took place in St. Petersburg metro train between the metro stations “Technological Institute” and “Sennaya”, metro stations on Monday afternoon killed over 10 passengers.
Blast took place at 14:30 hours of St. Petersburg time. National Antiterrorism Committee (NAC) of Russia confirmed that there was only one blast took place inside train. NAC rejected news by western media that there were twin blasts.
President Putin laid flowers at vigil site in St. Petersburg and said that government would provide maximum support to victim families.
Photo of suspect has been released by authorities that was captured from CCTV footage. Russian intelligence agency believes that suspect in photo belongs to Central Asia.
The nature of blast was time device home made bomb.
According to eye witnesses, seven fire engines, three speedy rescue vehicles arrived along with 10 ambulances and have already rescued victims and instantly moving towards hospitals.
All exit points of metro system have been closed and all metro trains have been halted and nobody is allowed to enter metro stations.
Heavy police contingents have cordoned off metro stations including Park Pobedy, Electrosila, Moscow Gate, Frunzenskaya, Technological Institute, Sennaya Square and Gostiny Dvor.
“There was one explosion that took place when metro train left Technological Institute (Tekhnologichesky) and was moving towards Haymarket Square station”, said regional police authorities.
Authorities also confirmed that all stations of the St. Petersburg metro were closed for indefinite period and at least 10 passengers were received dead at hospitals.
Interfax news agency reported that 55 passengers are critical wounded in blast.
Horrified by news of explosion in St Petersburg. My sympathies are with the victims and their families.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 3, 2017
Updates:
The St. Petersburg metro service resumed partially, said official press statement of city authorities. However, the stations Sennaya ploshchad and Tekhnologichesky Institut would remain closed.
“President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the blast in the St Petersburg metro by the security service heads, in particular, Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov. Mr Putin instructed the city authorities to take all necessary measures to help the families of those killed and injured”, said official website of Presidential office.
US President Donald Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin to offer condolences over the St. Petersburg subway bombing, says official media of Russia. The statement added that US Trump offered condolences to the families of the victims of Monday’s blast and asked Putin to convey his support for the Russian people. It said Putin thanked Trump for the expression of solidarity.
Police found a back of ball bearing that could be second bomb but did not explode.
