A major police operation is underway in southern France after a parcel bomb exploded inside a residential building in Monaco, leaving prominent Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev and two other people injured.
Authorities confirmed that two of the victims remain in critical condition at a hospital in Nice, France. Monaco’s Public Prosecutor, Stéphane Thibault, said a woman suffered the most severe injuries among those affected.
Investigators have launched a search for a lone suspect believed to have carried out the attack. Officials said the case is being handled as an attempted murder investigation and not an act of terrorism.
The explosion happened shortly before 9:00 p.m. local time at an apartment building on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla, close to the French border. Monaco’s government later confirmed that the blast was caused by a parcel bomb.
Christophe Mirmand, the head of Monaco’s government, disclosed that the explosive device appeared to have been packed with bolts and metal pellets, increasing its destructive impact.
Emergency responders also treated four other people following the incident. One person was treated for shock, while three others suffered cuts from shattered glass after nearby shop windows were blown out by the force of the explosion.
Security officials believe the suspect escaped immediately after the attack. According to the Monaco government, surveillance cameras captured an individual fleeing on foot toward the French town of Beausoleil, where security agencies have intensified search efforts.
Reports from investigators indicate that security footage showed a man leaving a backpack inside the lobby of the residential building shortly before the explosion occurred.
More than 100 police officers and emergency personnel responded to the scene on Monday evening as investigators secured the area and began collecting evidence.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said its embassy in France is in contact with Monaco authorities and is working to formally verify the identities of those reported injured in the explosion.
