ST. PETERSBURG, Russia – A deadly explosion ripped through a subway train in St. Petersburg on Monday, resulting in numerous fatalities and leaving dozens wounded, according to officials. The blast occurred as the train was traveling between two stations in the city.
The explosion took place in a subway car as the train traveled deep beneath Russia’s second-largest city. Photos from the scene showed the damaged car with people lying on the platform outside the damaged subway car. The St. Petersburg subway system said several stations in the city were closed and that an evacuation was underway.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was in St. Petersburg for an unrelated meeting, offered his condolences to the families of the victims. He said law enforcement agencies and intelligence services were looking into the causes of the explosion and had taken action to enhance security at key transport hubs.
No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the explosion. However, previous attacks in Russia have been carried out by Islamist rebels from Russia’s North Caucasus region. Security is also a major concern in Russia due to the country’s military campaign in Syria, where it has bombed Islamic State group militants who claimed responsibility for numerous attacks in other countries.
Vasaln Maksimov, who witnessed the explosion, said the subway car was not packed but was mostly adults, and children who were there appeared to be more shaken than injured. He said there was no fire or smoke, but there was a strong odor and people were struggling to escape the car.
The explosion occurred as Russia’s capital, Moscow, was in the midst of hosting its longest talk in years on international security, an event U.S. Secretary John Kerry, who was visiting Moscow, said authorities were taking precautionary measures in St. Petersburg ahead of the North America’s Cup hockey final.