Authorities in Monaco and France were reportedly conducting a search Monday night for a suspect accused of setting off a homemade explosive device that wounded multiple people, two of them with critical injuries.
The blast occurred just before 9 p.m. local time in central Monaco, close to the entrance of an apartment building. Citing the French newspaper Le Figaro, Reuters reported that security footage appeared to capture a man placing a backpack at the location shortly before the explosion.
Monaco Minister of State Christophe Mirmand told BFM TV that two people hurt in the explosion were facing life-threatening conditions.
The explosion took place shortly before 9 p.m. local time in Monaco’s city center, near the doorway of a residential building. (Valery HACHE / AFP via Getty Images)
Mirmand told the broadcaster that an incident of this kind was unprecedented in the principality.
French emergency responders were dispatched to help at the scene. France’s Interior Ministry said officials from both France and Monaco had opened a coordinated effort to track down the suspect.
Monaco Minister of State Christophe Mirmand said two of the injured victims were in life-threatening condition. (Valery HACHE / AFP via Getty Images)
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BFM TV, quoting Monaco’s prosecutor general, reported that the explosive device was characterized as a “parcel bomb.”
Eric Ciotti, the mayor of nearby Nice, France, condemned the incident in a post on X.
“The attack carried out this evening is a tragedy that strikes Monaco. Thoughts for the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco. Total support for the security forces and emergency services mobilized,” Ciotti wrote.
French emergency crews were sent to the scene to assist. (Valery HACHE / AFP via Getty Images)
Alexandra Masson, the mayor of nearby Menton, expressed support for Monaco and said her thoughts were with the victims and their families.
“I extend my full support to the Principality of Monaco during the ordeal it is going through. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and their loved ones. I express my deepest gratitude,” Masson wrote.
Monaco police could not immediately be reached by News Agency for comment.
