Monaco explosion injures three people, French media report

Three people were injured, two seriously, in an explosion in a residence in Monaco.

The explosion occurred shortly before 21:00 local time (19:00 GMT) after a bag was left outside the building on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla, near the French border.

State Minister Christophe Mirmand told AFP the incident was “most likely an attack” and police were investigating.

He said the explosion was caused by an explosive device that appeared to contain bolts and pellets. The Monaco government said a suspect was seen on video surveillance system running away towards France.

More than 100 police and emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene.

“As far as I know, this is the first time in history that such an action has taken place in the principality,” said Mirmand, head of the Monaco government.

Mirmand told local media that two of the victims suffered “life-threatening” injuries but did not identify any of the victims. The Monaco government said the three injured people were taken to hospital in Nice, France.

Prince Albert II of Monaco called the incident a “heinous crime” and “a shock to the entire Monaco society”.

He said that “all relevant state services are currently being mobilized” in cooperation with the relevant French authorities.

Authorities are expected to provide an update on Tuesday local time.