Russia’s Federal Security Service, the main domestic security and counter-terrorism agency, says 40 people were killed and over 100 wounded after several gunmen opened fire before setting a fire to a large music venue, Crocus City Hall, on the western edge of Moscow.

State authorities are treating it as terrorism.

 

 

This happened as crowds gathered for a performance by Russian rock band Picnic.

Local news reports say concertgoers were being evacuated but that an unknown number may have been trapped by the fire, suggesting the death toll could climb.

Authorities say security has been tightened at Moscow’s airports and rail stations, while the mayor has cancelled all mass gatherings scheduled for the weekend.