Moscow, Russia – More than 60 people were killed in the attack by gunmen on a Moscow concert hall, the Investigative Committee said Saturday, raising an earlier toll of 40, according to Russian news agencies.
“The bodies of the deceased are currently being examined. It is provisionally established that more than 60 people died in the terrorist attack. Unfortunately, the number of victims could rise,” said the Investigative Committee.
President Vladimir Putin wished a speedy recovery to the wounded victims of the deadly attack, Russia’s deputy prime minister said on Saturday after meeting with him.
“The president wished everyone a speedy recovery and conveyed his gratitude to the doctors,” Tatyana Golikova was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies. Putin has yet to comment publicly on the attack.
US had warned
The United States warned Russian authorities earlier in March about a terrorist attack possibly targeting “large gatherings” in Moscow, the White House said Friday.
“Earlier this month, the US government had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow –- potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts” and Washington “shared this information with Russian authorities,” National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said.
Fire put out
Meanwhile, the fire at a Moscow concert hall has been “mostly eliminated”, the Russian capital’s governor said on Saturday.
“There are still some pockets of fire, but the fire has been mostly eliminated. Rescuers were able to enter the auditorium,” Moscow Governor Andrey Vorobyov said on Telegram.