AT LEAST 12 people are feared dead after masked gunmen fired shots at a concert hall in Moscow, it has been reported.
RIA news agency said at least three people in camouflaged clothing burst into the Crocus City Hall and fired automatic weapons at the crowd.
Huge plumes of smoke could be seen coming from the venue in Moscow
Twelve people are feared dead after the shooting on Friday
The assailants reportedly also used explosives in the attack
Footage showed the flames engulfing the building
Russian news reports said that the assailants also used explosives, causing a massive blaze at the concert venue, on the western edge of Moscow.
Video posted on social media showed huge plumes of black smoke rising over the building.
Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency reported that at least three people in combat fatigues fired weapons.
The state Tass news agency also reported the shooting.
Russian media reports added that riot police units were sent to the area as people were being evacuated.
Extended rounds of gunfire could be heard on multiple videos posted by Russian media and Telegram channels. One showed two men with rifles moving through the mall.
Another one showed a man inside the auditorium, saying the assailants set it on fire, with incessant gunshots ringing out in the background.
Andrei Vorobyov, the governor of the Moscow region, said he was heading to the area and set up a task force to deal with the damage.
He didn’t immediately offer any further details.
Russian media reports said that riot police units were being sent to the area as people were being evacuated.
Opened in October 2009, Crocus City Hall is located in the city’s Krasnogorsk Urban Settlement in the Krasnogorsky District.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
