A Ukrainian oligarch is among three people injured in what authorities have described as a “deliberate” explosion on a residential building in Monaco on Monday.
A source close to the investigation who asked not to be named told AFP one of those injured was Ukrainian oligarch Vadym Yermolaiev.
The territory’s Minister of State Christophe Mirmand initially told AFP the blast appeared to be “an attack”, but later dropped that term, describing it as a “deliberate explosion”.
An aide to France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said police were working “to find the perpetrator, who has fled”.
The explosion struck around 9pm, local time, in a residential building on a street along the border with France.
Authorities say the explosion was “deliberate”. (Reuters: Manon Cruz)
Public prosecutor Stephane Thibault said a suspect had left a bag or package in the building’s lobby before leaving.
He said nothing appeared to indicate why the building might have been targeted yet.
A couple in their 50s or 60s injured in the blast were in life-threatening conditions, while a 13-year-old who was “very likely related to the couple” suffered less serious injuries, Mr Mirmand said, without disclosing their nationality.
He said the explosive device apparently contained bolts and buckshot.
“This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has taken place in the principality,” he said.
Mr Mirmand said the prosecutor would give a news briefing on Tuesday.
AFP
