Three injured in explosion in Monaco, suspect remains at large
Monaco City, June 30 (IANS) Three people were injured in an explosion that struck a residential building on rue Reverend-Pere-Louis-Frolla in Monaco at around 9 pm (local time) on Monday. The suspect is reported to have escaped on foot towards France’s Beausoleil and remains at large, local media reported on Tuesday.
After the explosion, security personnel and emergency services rushed to the site of the incident. According to initial information, the CCTV cameras showed an individual dropping a backpack at the spot of the incident before walking away. Later, several people reached the area and the explosion took place, Monaco Life reported.
Monaco’s Government said that three people were injured, which include two adults and a child. The victims have been identified as Ukrainian and Russian nationals.
In a statement shared on X, Monaco Government stated that the area was quickly cordoned off by law enforcement personnel. The Monaco government said the three injured people had been taken to hospital in French city of Nice.
In the statement, it stated, “Tonight, shortly before 9 p.m., a violent explosion linked to a booby-trapped package was heard in the Principality not far from Place des Moulins. The area was quickly cordoned off by law enforcement. Three people injured are to be regretted, two adults and one child transported to hospital facilities in Nice.”
It mentioned that the suspect was spotted by the video surveillance system fleeing toward the municipality of Beausoleil on French territory. The Monaco Government stated that the Attorney General has been notified and the judicial investigation has been initiated.
After the explosion, “plan rouge” has been implemented, a pre-established emergency protocol used in Monaco for incidents which involve or liable to involve a significant number of casualties, allowing deployment of additional resources depending on the scale of injuries, Monaco Life reported.
Monaco’s Prince Albert II termed the explosion in Monaco a “shock” for the entire Monegasque community. He expressed solidarity with the victims and their loved ones. He praised the Public Security forces for securing the area and ensuring immediate care for the victims.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Prince Albert II stated, “The criminal explosion that occurred this evening in Monaco is a shock for the entire Monegasque community. My thoughts go first to the victims, to their loved ones and to the residents directly affected by this brutal act. Princess Charlene, my family and I wish to express to them our compassion and our unwavering support. We also wish to commend the remarkable work of the Public Security forces, who are managing the situation with rigour and composure, and who have ensured that the victims were swiftly cared for and the area secured.”
“Under the authority of the Government, all the relevant State services are currently mobilised, in close cooperation with the French authorities. We trust them to establish the circumstances of this tragedy as swiftly as possible, to identify those responsible and to provide every necessary response, at every level. More than ever, the Principality of Monaco will remain united and resolute in the face of violence and crime. The safety of our community has always been a priority; it will remain, whatever the threats,” it added.
–IANS
akl/rs