Many Dead In Russian Subway Explosion

According to Russia’s health minister, at least 11 people are dead and at least 45 people were hospitalized after a device exploded on a subway in St. Petersburg on Monday.

The subway train was traveling between two stations when the device went off at 2:40 p.m. local time. The blast happened between the Sennaya Ploshad station and the Technological Institute station.

Russia’s Investigative Committee, the country’s primary federal investigative authority, has called it an “undetermined explosive device.”

There is no word on whether this is a terrorist attack yet but President Vladimir Putin said, “The causes are not yet clear, and so it’s still early to talk about that, the investigation will show. But, naturally, we always examine all versions, ordinary and criminal — above all, incidents of a terrorist character.”

Fortunately another explosive device rigged with shrapnel found in a third St. Petersburg station, the Ploshchad Vosstaniya station, was defused by bomb technicians. Offials said noone was hurt at this location.

President Trump released a statement and called the explosion “a terrible thing.” “Terrible. Terrible thing. Happening all over the world. Absolutely a terrible thing,” he said.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured as we extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones.”

“Attacks like these on ordinary citizens going about their lives remind us that the world must work as one to combat violence in all forms,” Spicer said at a White House press briefing in Washington.

“The United States is prepared to offer assistance to Russia and may require investigating this crime.”

After the explosion the entire St. Petersburg subway system was shut down and evacuated. It has since resumed operations.