Authorities in Monaco and France were on a widespread hunt Monday night for a suspect linked to an explosion that critically injured two people and wounded several others. The man is believed to have set off a homemade explosive device, prompting an urgent investigation.
The blast occurred just before 9 p.m. local time, in the heart of Monaco, near the entrance of a residential building, catching residents off guard. Surveillance footage reportedly depicts a man abandoning a backpack at the location mere moments earlier, according to Le Figaro via Reuters.
Christophe Mirmand, serving as Monaco’s minister of state, confirmed to BFM TV the severity of the incident, stating that two individuals are in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
The explosion was a sudden disruption in Monaco, happening just before 9 p.m. local time, near the entrance to a residential building. (Valery HACHE / AFP via Getty Images)
“Such an event is unprecedented in the principality,” Mirmand remarked, highlighting the shock and gravity of the situation to the outlet.
French emergency crews were sent to the scene to assist. Authorities in France and Monaco launched a joint operation to find the suspect, according to France’s Interior Ministry.
Christophe Mirmand, Monaco’s minister of state, said that two of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries. (Valery HACHE / AFP via Getty Images)
BFM TV, citing Monaco’s prosecutor general, described the device 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 Media for comment.