Russia: Soldier killed in car explosion in Saint Petersburg
A Russian serviceman was killed when his car exploded in Saint Petersburg on Thursday. Investigators have opened a murder inquiry, while local media report that another person was injured.
The explosion occurred at about 7 am in the Shushary area of the city's Pushkinsky district, on Kolpino Highway, leaving the vehicle badly damaged. A passing bus also had its windows shattered by the blast.
Russian news outlet Fontanka reported that the victim was a colonel serving as chief navigator of the 6th Air and Air Defence Army . According to the outlet, an explosive device attached beneath his vehicle was remotely detonated as he drove away. Fontanka reported that a family member nearby had been also hurt .
Russian authorities have not officially identified the serviceman or confirmed the cause of the explosion. The Investigative Committee has opened a murder investigation , with forensic experts examining the scene.
The blast comes more than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Several Russian military officials have since been killed in attacks on Russian territory , some of which have been attributed to Kyiv, although Ukrainian authorities rarely claim responsibility. Investigators have not established any connection between Thursday's explosion and the war .
