Monaco blast injures three as suspect flees into France
Authorities said an explosive device wounded two adults and a child at a residence near the French border, prompting a cross-border search.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
An explosive device detonated at the entrance of a residential building in Monaco on Monday night, seriously injuring three people, local authorities said. The attack has triggered a search in Monaco and France after officials said the suspect crossed the nearby border on foot.
Monaco Minister of State Christophe Mirmand told reporters that two adults and a child were hurt in the blast, which occurred around 9 p.m. at a residence close to France. He said the three victims were taken to hospitals in France.
French broadcaster BFM and the Ukrainian news site Ukrainska Pravda reported that Ukrainian construction magnate Vadym Iermolaiev was among those injured, along with family members. Ukrainska Pravda also reported that Iermolaiev was placed under Ukrainian sanctions in 2023 over alleged ties to Russia.
Authorities review surveillance footage
Mirmand said investigators had identified the suspect through video surveillance recorded in Monaco and in Beausoleil, the French town next to the principality. He said the attacker left Monaco on foot and entered France after the blast.
The motive remains under investigation, according to Mirmand. A French national police official said French police were assisting the inquiry and searching for the suspect, but the official did not provide further details.
Prince Albert II, Monaco’s head of state, described the attack as “an odious act” and said the country’s services had been mobilized to maintain security, according to local authorities. The explosion was an unusual act of violence in the Mediterranean principality.
Cross-border inquiry underway
The case now involves authorities on both sides of the border because of the location of the blast and the suspect’s reported route into France. Monaco and French officials have not announced an arrest.
Officials have not publicly identified the injured people. The reports naming Iermolaiev came from BFM and Ukrainska Pravda, while Monaco authorities have limited their public account to the number of victims, the location of the attack and the search for the suspect.
No additional information about the explosive device was released by officials. Authorities have also not said whether they believe the residence, the victims or another target was the intended focus of the attack.
This story draws on original reporting from NPR.