Explosion rocks Monaco residential building near French border, leaving two critically injured in suspected deliberate attack
An explosion at a residential building in Monaco on Monday evening injured a family of three, two of them critically, in what authorities describe as a deliberate attack.
The explosion
Around 21:00 local time on Monday, an explosion ripped through the lobby of a residential building on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla, near the Monaco-France border. Monaco's Minister of State Christophe Mirmand told AFP the blast was caused by an explosive device and was 'very likely an attack'. Security camera footage reportedly showed a suspect leaving a bag or package in the entrance hall before departing.
The device appeared to contain bolts and pellets, Mirmand said. Three people were injured: a couple in their 50s or 60s suffered life-threatening injuries, and a 13-year-old boy, believed to be related, sustained less serious wounds.
This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has taken place in the principality.
Victims and nationalities
French media outlets including Le Figaro and BFMTV reported that the victims are a Ukrainian family. Le Monde and La Repubblica added that one of the critically injured adults may be a Kyiv-based oligarch, though Monaco authorities did not confirm the victims' nationalities. The couple were described as being in critical condition, while the teenager's injuries were described as less severe.
Manhunt underway
After the explosion, the suspect reportedly fled on foot toward the French town of Beausoleil, just across the border. A manhunt was launched, with French and Monegasque security forces involved. Monaco activated its 'red plan', a special emergency protocol for major incidents, and police and rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene.
Prosecutor General Stéphane Thibault said the suspect had entered the building, left the bag or package in the lobby, and then departed before the detonation. No motive has been established.
Reactions
Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi, whose city lies about 20 kilometers from Monaco, called the incident an 'attack' on social media and expressed solidarity. He described it as a 'tragedy that shakes Monaco'. The president of Monaco's National Council and a close aide to Prince Albert II also arrived at the scene.
A tragedy that shakes Monaco.
