A resident of St. Petersburg carried a device onto Vasilyevsky Island and detonated it there. The incident was first reported by a local outlet, Kp.ru, citing authorities and witnesses familiar with the events.
The blast occurred on Korablestroiteley Street, with initial information indicating that a grenade exploded in the hands of a 44-year-old man from St. Petersburg. Early observations suggested the device was brought to the location, and the ensuing explosion caused severe injuries that proved fatal before medical help could arrive.
Local residents described hearing the explosion the previous evening and stepping outside to look for the source. They found an unconscious man at the scene, and despite immediate efforts, responders were unable to save him, according to a Telegram channel known as Mash on Moika that reported on the incident.
Footage from the scene shows the moment the pin was removed from the grenade before the explosion occurred. At this stage there is no verified information about where the man acquired the item, and investigators are focused on establishing the full chain of custody and any possible links to previous incidents.
Officials noted that the individual did not have a registered firearm in official records. The incident drew the attention of law enforcement agencies, and experts from the Investigative Committee of Russia were mobilized to conduct a thorough review. An investigation is underway to clarify all circumstances surrounding what happened, and a procedural decision will be made after examining the collected evidence and testimonies.
A World War II-era mine found in the Leningrad region prompted additional inquiries as authorities reviewed related safety concerns and the circumstances surrounding its presence and handling. The incident remains under investigation as officials assess any potential risks to public safety and the steps needed to prevent similar events in the future.