During the chaotic moments at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, visitors faced a terrifying scene as windows were battered and barricades were erected in a desperate bid to escape. Eyewitness accounts describe the initial impression as something resembling fireworks before the sharp crack of gunfire echoed through the venue. A witness identified as Eva told reporters that panic spread quickly as people shouted for everyone to run, and the crowd surged toward exits in a frantic scramble to safety.
The atmosphere inside the hall grew increasingly tense as barricades were set up and attempts to smash barriers near the entrances, with onlookers recounting that violence unfolded in a manner consistent with prior incidents during the concert era. Statements reported that attackers appeared to set fire to parts of the hall where concertgoers had gathered, adding to the sense of danger and chaos inside the venue.
News outlets reported on March 22 that a shooting occurred at Crocus City Hall, during the planned Picnic group concert. According to RIA Novosti, at least three attackers wearing camouflage opened fire. Reports also indicated an explosion and a resulting fire within the building, contributing to the peril faced by those present. The situation prompted emergency responders to mobilize quickly as fire and medical teams converged on the site.
Early assessments from authorities and media outlets suggested a significant number of injuries and fatalities as a consequence of the incident. Estimates circulated that roughly 50 people were injured while as many as 12 or more could have died in the emergency. Officials later clarified that the musicians themselves were unharmed and not among the affected.
Initial witnesses recalled that concertgoers were seated inside the hall, waiting for the Picnic group’s performance when the shooting began. The abrupt shift from anticipation to alarm left many scrambling for exits, with frightened attendees recounting the sudden need to seek shelter and distance themselves from the danger as the hall filled with smoke and the sounds of distress. The event underscored the urgent need for rapid crowd management and robust safety measures at large public venues, especially during high-profile performances.
As investigators continued to piece together the sequence of events, authorities urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official briefings for accurate updates. The scene left a lasting impression on witnesses who described the fear, confusion, and immediate actions taken to protect themselves and others in the crowded space. The aftermath raised questions about security protocols at major event venues and the swift response required in the face of such an attack. Attribution: reports from RIA Novosti; subsequent official statements provided context and clarification on casualties and the status of performers.