Monaco Blast Suspect Remains at Large

Monaco prosecutors say they have found no evidence linking Monday's blast to terrorism. The explosion struck a residential building entrance and wounded three people. Police continue searching for the suspect, who fled the scene on foot.

What Happened in Monaco

A powerful explosive device went off at a residential building entrance on Monday evening. A man had reportedly left the package near the doorway shortly before the blast. Three people were hurt as they walked into the building.

Prosecutor Stephane Thibault confirmed the suspect appears to have acted alone. He briefed reporters on Tuesday and said the attacker remains at large. Investigators have not yet determined a clear motive for the attack.

No Terrorism Link Found

Authorities opened an attempted murder investigation rather than a terrorism case. Thibault said current evidence does not support a terrorism classification. He noted that the motive behind the blast still remains unclear.

Security camera footage captured the suspect walking through a nearby street. He wore a black jacket, light coloured trousers and white shoes in the footage. A black hat partly covered his face during the recording.

Who Was Hurt in the Blast

One woman remains in life threatening condition following the explosion. Her partner and a 13 year old child suffered less severe injuries. Both remain hospitalized as they continue to recover.

Officials say the victims were walking home when the blast occurred. They were caught in the explosion as they crossed the building's entrance. Monaco's minister of state described the moment based on surveillance footage.

Reports Link Victim to Ukrainian Sanctions

Several media reports identified one of the injured as Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev. Ukrainian outlets report he faced Ukrainian sanctions starting in December 2023. Those sanctions reportedly relate to his business activity in Russian occupied Crimea.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry confirmed contact with Monaco authorities after the blast. Officials said three people of Ukrainian descent from one family were wounded. The ministry did not release their names publicly.

Monaco's Security Profile

Monaco remains one of the safest countries in the world by reputation. The microstate has a population of roughly 38,000 residents. Thousands of security cameras cover nearly all public areas across the territory.

This attack marks a rare security incident in the tightly monitored principality. Investigators will likely rely heavily on camera footage to identify the suspect. Authorities have not announced a timeline for an arrest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Was the Monaco blast a terrorist attack?

Prosecutors say current evidence does not support a terrorism motive at this stage.

Q: How many people were injured in the Monaco blast?

Three people were wounded, including one woman in life threatening condition.

Q: Is the Monaco blast suspect still free?

Yes. The suspect fled on foot and remains at large as of Tuesday.

Q: Who was injured in the Monaco explosion?

Reports identify Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev among the injured, alongside two family members.

Q: What charge are Monaco police investigating?

Police opened an attempted murder investigation rather than a terrorism case.