Gunmen opened fire at a rock concert in a Moscow suburb on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 people, with 100 others wounded and an ensuing inferno in the theatre, as confirmed by authorities.

According to a journalist from the RIA Novosti news agency present at the scene, attackers dressed in camouflage uniforms entered the building, firing shots, and throwing a grenade or incendiary bomb.

The Crocus City concert hall, situated in the Krasnogorsk suburb in the north of the Russian capital, became engulfed in flames rapidly. The venue, capable of hosting several thousand people, has previously welcomed top international artists.

The FSB security service reported that, based on preliminary information, 40 people were killed and over 100 were injured in what they classified as a terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall. President Vladimir Putin has been receiving continuous updates on the incident.

Telegram news channels Baza and Mash, which have close ties to security forces, shared video footage depicting flames and thick black smoke emanating from the hall. Other visuals showed individuals seeking refuge behind seats or attempting to flee.

Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the incident as a "terrible tragedy" occurring during a concert by Russian rock band Piknik and subsequently canceled all public events in the city for the weekend.

Security services, as reported by Interfax news agency, stated that between two and five individuals, wearing tactical gear and armed with automatic weapons, initiated the attack by firing at guards stationed at the entrance before targeting the audience.

Attendees inside the hall resorted to lying on the ground for protection during the shooting, lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes, according to the RIA Novosti journalist.

About 100 people managed to escape through the theatre's basement, while others sought shelter on the roof, as reported by the emergency services ministry via its Telegram channel. However, approximately one-third of the complex was ablaze, according to TASS news agency.

Russia's foreign ministry characterized the incident as a "bloody terrorist attack," with spokeswoman Maria Zakharova calling for condemnation from the international community.

The US presidency denounced the attack, though emphasized there was no immediate indication linking it to the conflict in Ukraine. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev vowed consequences if Ukrainian officials were found to be involved.

Security operations were swiftly initiated around the theatre and nearby shopping mall, involving special police forces and anti-riot squads. Patriarch Kirill's spokesman expressed prayers for the souls of the deceased.

While previous warnings of potential attacks on large gatherings in Moscow had been issued by the US embassy, both Ukraine's presidency and the Freedom of Russia Legion denied any involvement in the assault.

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