Moscow market blast kills at least 10 people

A BOMB blast tore through a Moscow market yesterday morning, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens.

Deputy Mayor Vladimir Resin said a homemade bomb detonated in a two-story trading arcade at Cherkizovsky market in the northeastern part of the city about 10.30am.

City prosecutor Yuri Syomin told reporters at the scene that 41 people had been hospitalised.

Mr Syomin said the bombing was likely connected with organised crime or a dispute between businessmen, but terrorism was not being ruled out.

The Interfax news agency reported that two suspects had been detained. It cited unidentified investigators as saying both had been seen leaving a bag near one of the market’s pavilions shortly before the explosion.

A 2,150-square-foot section of the market collapsed in the blast, government spokeswoman Yulia Stadnikova said. At least two of those killed were children.

The Russian general prosecutor’s office said it had opened a murder investigation. Terrorism is a separate offence under Russian law.

The market is one of several sprawling complexes on the outskirts of the city with hundreds of food, clothing and hardware stands.

“It sounded like a thunderstorm,” said Vyacheslav Lobastov, who was shopping at the market at the time of the blast.

Markets in Russia’s restive Caucasus region frequently have been targeted by bombers in recent years; most are believed to be connected to organised crime or commercial disputes. In June, two people were injured in an explosion at a market in Samara.