MOSCOW — A retired soldier was killed by an explosion inside his apartment on the west side of Moscow, authorities confirmed Tuesday. The incident, which occurred in a residential building, has raised concerns about possible suicidal tendencies, as state media reports suggest.
According to the Russian Interior Ministry’s branch in Moscow, the explosion was triggered by an “unidentified object” found inside the victim’s apartment.
The blast resulted in the man’s death, though no structural damage was reported to the apartment building itself. In the wake of the explosion, residents were temporarily evacuated as a precautionary measure, the Emergency Situations Ministry stated.
The deceased was identified by local broadcaster 360.ru as a man named Igor with the last initial “A,” born in 1962.
Though law enforcement officials have not released the man’s full name, the victim’s identity was confirmed by relatives who spoke with the state-run TASS news agency. They reported that he was a retired soldier and had previously exhibited suicidal tendencies.
Unverified reports from pro-Kremlin media suggest that the explosion may have been the result of the man using a grenade to take his own life. However, these claims have not been officially confirmed by authorities.
The incident has drawn attention from both local and national media, with varying accounts circulating about the circumstances surrounding the explosion. The situation remains under investigation as law enforcement officials work to determine the exact cause of the blast and the nature of the device used.
The explosion has caused some distress among the residents of the building, but officials have assured the public that there was no further risk to the structural integrity of the apartment complex. The temporary evacuation was conducted to ensure the safety of the residents and to facilitate the investigation.
This tragic event underscores ongoing concerns about mental health among military veterans and the broader implications of such incidents within communities. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are expected to provide more details as the investigation progresses.
As of now, the precise details regarding the nature of the device and the victim’s mental health remain subject to further verification and investigation.