The Monaco explosion has been slammed as a ‘malicious act’ after three people were injured in a horror blast in the major holiday hotspot, Rue Reverend-Pere-Louis-Frolla.
The attack occurred at around 9pm local time and has left three people injured, with two of them in critical condition, according to officials.
The suspect of the incident is “on the run” as CCTV footage showed him dumping a backpack in the area before vacating the scene.
It is believed that the victims are all Ukrainian.
Monaco’s Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, said a couple in their 50s or 60s wounded in the blast were in life-threatening conditions, while a 13-year-old who was “very likely related to the couple” suffered less serious injuries.
One of thre victims has been named locally as Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev.
The 58-year-old is ranked as one of Ukraine‘s wealthiest men, making his fortune as a real estate developer before he left the country with his family.
In 2019 Ermolaev became a citizen of Cyprus, and in December 2023 Ukraine imposed sanctions on him, including asset restrictions, according to reports.
It is believed that Ermolaev’s wife is was also injured in the horrific incident.
Two adults were taken to the Pasteur Hospital in Nice to be treated with the younger victim treated at the scene.
The Monégasque government has claimed that the incident is “a malicious act”.
“This is likely a terrorist attack,” Monaco’s Minister of State (head of government), Christophe Mirmand, told AFP.
He added that the explosive device likely contained bolts and shot.
“The police are currently investigating. This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has occurred in the Principality”, Mirmand said.
A police hunt is underway for the suspect after he was seen ‘heading towards the French border’ on CCTV.
The footage shows the man putting a backpack down at the property before fleeing the scene on foot.
The mayor of neighbouring Nice Eric Ciotti commented the incident on X, saying in a translated message: “The attack carried out this evening is a tragedy that strikes Monaco. Thoughts for the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco. Total support for the security forces and emergency services mobilised.”