The full extent of the injuries suffered in Monday night’s bomb attack in Monaco is becoming clearer as investigators continue their hunt for the person responsible…
Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev, who suffered burns and shrapnel wounds when the explosive device detonated outside his home, was photographed conscious on a stretcher as he was evacuated to hospital in Nice. The condition of a woman who was with him was far more serious. She suffered catastrophic injuries, including the partial loss of both lower limbs in the blast, and subsequently underwent an amputation after being transferred to hospital.
A third victim, a young man whose identity has not been released, sustained burns, multiple bruises and reportedly had part of the explosive device embedded in his leg.
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The explosion occurred shortly before 9:00 pm on Monday in the entrance of a residential building on Rue Révérend-Père-Louis-Frolla, close to Monaco’s border with Beausoleil. Authorities believe the victims were deliberately targeted as they returned home.
Forensic officers from Monaco’s Judicial Police worked throughout the night examining the scene in an effort to identify the type of explosive device used, while the area remains sealed off as investigations continue.
A suspect captured on surveillance cameras shortly after the blast is still being actively sought. Witnesses described the man as wearing a dark top, a bucket hat, white trainers and carrying a shoulder bag. CCTV tracked him into neighbouring Beausoleil before he disappeared, prompting a large-scale cross-border search involving Monaco’s Public Security, French police and French gendarmerie helicopters.
Minister of State Christophe Mirmand said investigators believe the victims were specifically targeted and confirmed that one individual remains the focus of the search, while not ruling out possible accomplices.
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II returned to Monaco overnight after cutting short an overseas visit, pledging that those responsible would be brought to justice and reaffirming the Principality’s determination in the face of violent crime.