A bomb blast has shaken Monaco's usually tranquil streets, leaving three people critically injured in its wake. At approximately 9:00 pm local time (8:00 pm BST) on Monday evening, a suspected parcel bomb detonated in a residential building near the French border, sparking a high-stakes manhunt for a suspect seen on surveillance footage.
According to reports from French media, including Le Figaro, video footage captured a man placing a backpack in the lobby of the residential building shortly before the blast. The suspect then fled on foot towards the French border. Monaco's public prosecutor general, Thibault Stéphane, has confirmed that two of the victims are fighting for their lives, with French newspaper Le Figaro also identifying them as Ukrainian nationals.
The principality's Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, described the device as containing bolts and buckshot, stating that it was "very likely an attack." A couple, believed to be in their 50s or 60s, sustained life-threatening injuries, while a 13-year-old relative suffered less severe injuries.
Nearby Nice's mayor, Éric Ciotti, expressed his dismay at the incident on X, describing it as "a tragedy for Monaco." The principality, known for its luxury yachts and billionaire residents, has been shaken by this unprecedented attack. Minister Mirmand highlighted the rarity of such an event, stating that he was unaware of any previous instances in Monaco's history.
Investigations are now underway to determine the motive behind the attack and why this particular building may have been targeted. While no specific reason for the location has emerged at present, the focus remains on apprehending the suspect and understanding the full scope of this unusual incident.