A powerful explosion shook the Principality of Monaco on Monday evening following the detonation of a booby-trapped backpack. The blast injured three members of the same family, with two in critical condition. Authorities have launched a manhunt for a suspect who fled the scene, releasing his image to assist in identification.
The explosion occurred around 9 PM inside a residential building near the French border, prompting a security alert. A broad investigation has been initiated to uncover the event's circumstances, as reported by the British newspaper 'The Sun.'
Police stated surveillance cameras captured a suspect placing two backpacks at the scene before leaving on foot, with speculation that he may have fled towards the nearby French town of Beausoleil.
Metal Nails Found
Authorities also noted that the discovered backpacks contained metal nails, reinforcing the theory of the explosion being caused by an explosive device. There has been no official announcement regarding the suspect's identity or motive.
Authorities Lean Towards Attack Hypothesis
The Minister of State in Monaco, Christophe Merman, told Agence France-Presse that the incident "is likely to be an attack," confirming ongoing investigations.
Additionally, the Mayor of Nice, France, Eric Ciotti, described the incident as an "attack," writing on Platform "X": "The attack that took place this evening is a tragedy that struck Monaco," expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
The authorities have yet to officially confirm if the explosion was a terrorist act, and the investigation continues to explore the incident's background.