Moscow metro bombings kill 35 (Third Lead)
By IANSMonday, March 29, 2010
Moscow, March 29 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least 35 people were killed when two powerful bombs ripped through two Moscow metro stations during rush hour Monday, officials said.
The first blast took place at 7.52 a.m. at the Lubyanka station close to the Federal Security Service (FSB) headquarters, killing at least 23 people and injuring 18.
The second blast occurred about 40 minutes later at the nearby Park Kultury station, within walking distance of the Kremlin. The blast left at least 12 people dead and 15 injured.
The FSB said the attacks were carried out by female suicide bombers.
A police source said the blasts took place in crowded trains as people hurried to work on the first day of the working week.
Russia’s top investigator Vladimir Markin said an investigation had been launched on terrorism charges and that suicide bombers were suspected of having detonated the devices, each packing the equivalent of up to two kg of TNT.
Police with sniffer dogs are carrying out inspections of other stations as the capital remains on high alert. Security has been tightened at the capital’s overland train terminals and airports.
The injured are being ferried to hospitals by helicopter. Meanwhile, police have urged people to remain calm.
–IANS/RIA Novosti
