the men who broke into the concert hall started shooting at people with automatic weapons

The Kremlin news agency TASS reported that an explosion occurred in the building.

Soon, videos of armed people walking around the arena appeared on social networks. They are holding automatic machines in their hands, people’s shouts are heard around them.

Meduza, citing the RIA Novosti agency, said that at least three people had fired. It was later reported that there were 5 attackers.

“They broke into the concert hall and started shooting with automatic weapons. There are definitely injured. People in the palace fell to the ground to avoid the shots. They lay there for about 15-20 minutes and then started crawling outside. Most managed to escape,” the RIA Novosti journalist was quoted as saying.

According to him, the attackers initially threw a grenade, which started the fire.

Special forces arrived at the scene.

Different media outlets report different numbers of casualties. It is reported that there may be about 10 people shot, about 50 injured. It is indicated that the numbers may increase.

The concert of the group “Picnic” was supposed to take place in the “Krokus” concert hall.

The shooting started while the performers were still in the dressing rooms.

According to Baza, around 100 people may be trapped in the palace if the fire breaks out.

After 8 p.m., TASS reported that huge flames had reached the third building of the Krokus Palace.

Around 8 p.m. 10 minutes special forces of the Russian Guard had already arrived at the scene.