On 26 May 2010, at least seven people were killed in a bomb blast in Stavropol, Russia. At least 40 people were injured,[1] one from Moscow, while another is an outsider, and another from Azerbaijan or Turkey.[citation needed] The blast occurred before a concert.[2]
Stavropol had not experienced such an attack in recent years before the incident;[3] similar incidents had become more associated with Chechnya and Dagestan.[4] Russia said the attack was a "terrorist act".[4][5]
Eight people were killed in the event,[citation needed] a higher number than was originally reported.[5]
Incident
The explosion happened outside the Stavropol Concert Hall 15 minutes prior to the popular Chechen dance show Vainakh due to perform there.[3] Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov has been openly photographed with them.[3]
Explosives compared to 200 to 250 grams of TNT were used.[3] It is said that steel pellets were placed in a carton of juice to make the bomb.[6] The bomb was then detonated by a remotely controlled device.[5]
The theatre was locked down by police.[3] Two corpses were visible by the exit.[3] Many of those wounded are hurt in critical ways and areas.[6] Many of those taken to hospital were detained there and died from their wounds during the night hours.[5] A ten-year-old girl died in a regional hospital to bring the death toll to six.[citation needed] Another unidentified person followed her at a later stage to make it seven dead.[citation needed]
Investigations
The incident was investigated under Russia's terrorism laws,[3] and around 70 people were immediately questioned about the incident.[6] Weapons were located at the homes of some of those questioned,[citation needed] though no one immediately admitted to carrying out the attack.[4][6] Initial speculation placed blame on Islamists, neo-Nazis and skinheads.[7]
Response
Mayor of Stavropol, Nikolai Paltsev, said an as yet undecided sum of money would be given to the families of those who lost their lives.[citation needed] The federal budget would also assist, he said.[citation needed] Stavropol Territory Governor, Valery Gayevsky, described it as an attempt at "shattering national unity".[citation needed]
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