60 killed in Moscow concert hall attack

At least 60 people were killed and more than 100 others were injured after gunmen opened fire at them in a Moscow concert hall, Russian authorities said.

The incident took place at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow on Friday (March 22) evening, according to the FSB Federal Security Service.

Attackers dressed in camouflage uniforms entered the building, opened fire and threw grenades or incendiary bombs. Videos showed images of flames and black smoke pouring from the hall. Three helicopters were involved in efforts to put out the fire, dumping water on the giant concert hall that can hold several thousand people and has hosted top international artists.

Scores of people hid behind seats in the hall or rushed towards entrances to the basement or roof to escape the bullets. Shortly after midnight, the emergencies ministry said the fire had been contained.

The European Union, France, Spain and Italy joined several countries in condemning the attack. The US called the attack "terrible" and said there was no immediate sign of any link to the conflict in Ukraine.

Ukraine's presidency said Kyiv had "nothing to do" with the attack, while its military intelligence called the incident a Russian "provocation" and charged that Moscow special services were behind it.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying its fighters attacked "a large gathering" on Moscow's outskirts and "retreated to their bases safely".

(With inputs from agencies)