Investigation Launched After Bomb Attack on Smolensk Shuttle Bus
A criminal case has been opened following an explosion directed at a shuttle bus in Smolensk. The statement came through the official Telegram channel of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation. Police are actively seeking the assailant and reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts to identify the attacker.
Preliminary information indicates that the incident occurred this morning when an unidentified person fired a single shot at a minibus traveling along Gagarin Boulevard toward Victory Square in Smolensk. The Ministry stated that no one was injured in the attack. The official release confirmed that investigators are assessing the overall circumstances to determine whether the shot was aimed at the driver, the passengers, or a different target, and what motivated the act.
Video material from the scene shows damage to the vehicle, with the left window near the driver’s door shattered and additional damage to the passenger-side door glass allowing for quick evacuation from that part of the bus. The investigation will cover all aspects of the incident, including the range of possible motives, the timeline of events, and the potential involvement of others.
In another, separate incident previously reported, there were notes about a man from Cherkessk, believed to be connected to local social groups, who was involved in disobedience and street-level disturbances. Investigators have documented these events and prepared materials for court consideration based on the applicable legal articles.
Earlier in Yekaterinburg, a man armed with a firearm reportedly fired into the air while wandering through the city streets. Authorities are examining this episode to determine any possible link to broader security concerns or criminal activity.
The ongoing inquiry in Smolensk will continue to follow standard investigative procedures. Law enforcement agencies are coordinating with regional authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent review of all evidence, including eyewitness testimony, video records, and ballistic analysis. Updates will be issued as new details emerge and the case progresses through the judicial process.