Video shows moments when gunmen stormed Moscow concert hall, killing at least 60

Around 60 people were killed and over a 100 injured in Moscow on Friday night after several gunmen opened fire at a music hall. The assailants also set ablaze the venue in one of the worst attacks in Russia’s recent history. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State group in statements made on social media.

In video clips shared by UK-based media house The Telegraph, the assailants can be seen entering and dispersing throughout the Crocus City Hall with rifles in hand. The main music arena can also be seen emptying as people evacuated by the stairs in small groups. The over one minute video further showed the venue ablaze as thick clouds of smoke and raging flames erupted from its top after the assailants set off explosives.

Please note that the video contains footage that some may find distressing.

In similar footage shared by Reuters, audiences gathered for the performance of Russian rock band Picnic can be seen rushing to exit the room in a frenzy and panic. The hall, which can hold over 6000 guests, is practically empty in the video as the crowd attempted to run to safety. Moreover, the parking lot near the hall is shown rampant with police cars as officers gathered at the spot. Finally, the video also shows bystanders outside the premises staring at the scene with shock and disbelief as police and military personnel attempt to manage the situation.

Please beware of graphic content that might be distressing to some.

In another footage shared by the Associated Press (AP), scores of police cars and ambulances can be seen parked and sirening outside the concert hall in the aftermath of the attack. Fire rescue services can also be seen tending to the flames that raged through the collapsing roof of the building.

Governor of Moscow, Andrewi Vorobyov, said to AP reporters, “Indeed the tragedy happened. Firefighters are working in Crocus…the area of the fire is significant. Everything else will be clear after the firefighters finish their work.”

National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said Friday the US government had information about a planned attack in Moscow. The US government shared the information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding “duty to warn” policy, Watson said. A US intelligence official told The Associated Press that U.S. intelligence agencies had learned the group’s branch in Afghanistan was planning an attack in Moscow.

The Kremlin said Putin was informed minutes after the assailants burst into Crocus City Hall.

(With AP inputs)

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