Russian lieutenant colonel reportedly killed in St. Petersburg car blast

A car exploded in St. Petersburg on Thursday morning, according to several Russian outlets, including Megapolis; Fontanka; Ostorozhno, Novosti; Baza; and 112. Fontanka reported that the blast killed a lieutenant colonel from an Air Force and Air Defence unit.

The blast struck in the Slavyanka neighbourhood of Shushary, a settlement on the city's southern outskirts. Fontanka reported that an improvised explosive device detonated inside the vehicle, tearing off the legs of the officer and a female passenger. He reportedly died at the scene, while she was hospitalised. His identity has not been disclosed. Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case.

Ostorozhno Novosti noted that the Russian Defence Ministry had previously bought up large amounts of housing in Slavyanka for active-duty and retired servicemen, allocated mainly to mid- and senior-ranking officers.

Earlier this month, an improvised explosive device went off outside a Moscow restaurant, killing five people. The venue was reportedly hosting a birthday party for Alexander Chayko, commander-in-chief of Russia’s Aerospace Forces.