Siphiwe Dlamini
The aftermath of the horrific terror attack t at Crocus City Hall near Moscow last Friday night has seen the death toll revised upwards to 115, with officials from Russia’s Investigative Committee cautioning that the number may climb further. This tragic update surpasses the previously reported figure of 93 fatalities, following the discovery of more victims as emergency crews sift through the debris.
Investigators have pointed to gunshot wounds and poisoning by combustion products, including smoke inhalation, as the preliminary causes of death. Efforts to piece together the full narrative of the massacre are ongoing, with authorities meticulously combing through CCTV footage, collecting evidence from the scene, and recording testimonies from those affected.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the Moscow Region Health Ministry acknowledged the loss of at least three children in this devastating event.
The attack, characterized by sheer brutality, unfolded at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, situated on the outskirts of Moscow. The venue, designed to hold around 7,500 attendees, was nearly at full capacity in anticipation of a concert by the renowned Russian rock band Picnic.
“According to preliminary data, the causes of death were gunshot wounds and poisoning by combustion products (smoke inhalation),” investigators said.
Witnesses and mobile footage depict a chilling scene where at least five assailants, clad in military gear and armed with rifles, initially targeted the unarmed security personnel at the entrance. The assailants then unleashed a barrage of bullets on the crowd, causing chaos and panic as people scrambled to escape the unprovoked violence.
The terrorists reportedly continued their rampage inside the concert hall, deliberately setting fire to the interior, leading to a massive inferno that compromised the structural integrity of the building, including its roof.
The Investigative Committee has affirmed that the assault involved the use of automatic weapons and an inflammable substance to propagate the fire. As part of the ongoing investigation, exhaustive ballistic, genetic, and fingerprint analyses are being conducted on the recovered evidence.
In a recent development, the Kremlin’s press service relayed information from Aleksandr Bortnikov, the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), to President Vladimir Putin, announcing the detention of eleven individuals connected to the attack, including four who were directly involved.
Understanding the Locale of Moscow’s Recent Tragedy
On the outskirts of Moscow, nestled within the urban precinct of Krasnogorsk, the Crocus City Hall complex became the scene of a devastating incident on Friday night. This multifaceted venue, which first opened its doors in October 2009, pays homage to Muslim Magomayev, the celebrated Soviet singer whose voice echoed through the era, originating from what is now Azerbaijan.
A Hub of Culture and Entertainment
Crocus City Hall, positioned at the northern tip of the Crocus City domain, shares its location with a convention center and the Aquarium Hotel, forming a cornerstone of cultural and social gathering. Just a stone’s throw away, one finds the Vegas shopping mall and the Crocus City Expo center, alongside a venue dedicated to children’s entertainment and matrimonial celebrations.
The complex prides itself on an expansive auditorium capable of hosting over 13,000 patrons, a concert hall that welcomes 7,500 guests, and a theatre with seats for approximately 5,500 audience members. Its strategic placement along the Moscow Ring Road ensures a mere 30-minute commute from the city’s heart via Metro, cementing its status as a key entertainment node.
A Stage for Global Events
Notably, Crocus City Hall served as the venue for the 2013 Miss Universe pageant, then under the ownership of American tycoon and future president Donald Trump. Its stages have been graced by illustrious Western artists including A-ha, Eric Clapton, and Joe Cocker, marking it as a beacon for international cultural exchange. The entirety of this complex stands as a testament to the vision of the Crocus Group, under the stewardship of Azerbaijani-born entrepreneur Aras Agalarov.
A Night of Horror
The tranquility was shattered when, as per reports from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), a terrorist onslaught claimed the lives of at least 60 individuals, leaving over 100 wounded. The assailants launched their attack near the concert venue, culminating in the detonation of an explosive device that ignited a fire within, causing extensive damage to the hall and reportedly leading to structural collapses.
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