A devastating explosion in Monaco has sparked a police manhunt after a man escaped on foot following the detonation of a homemade bomb that left three people wounded, including Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev. Two of the victims are in critical condition, according to Monaco public prosecutor general Thibault Stéphane.
Details of the Attack
The blast occurred in the popular tourist destination, Rue Reverend-Pere-Louis-Frolla at approximately 9pm on Monday evening, June 29. CCTV footage captures a man wearing a black bucket hat and jumper abandoning a rucksack in the entrance hall of a residential building before leaving the area rapidly. The suspect crossed the border into France on foot and was identified via video surveillance in Monaco and the neighbouring French town of Beausoleil, Monaco's Minister of State Christophe Mirmand told AFP.
Victims and Investigation
One of those injured has been identified locally as Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev. The 58-year-old ranks amongst Ukraine's richest individuals, amassing his wealth as a property developer before departing the nation with his family. In 2019 Ermolaev obtained citizenship of Cyprus, and in December 2023 Ukraine placed sanctions on him, including asset restrictions, according to reports. It is understood his wife also sustained injuries in the 'targeted attack' along with a teenager.
The two adults were transported to the Pasteur Hospital in Nice for treatment with the younger casualty treated at the scene. The Monégasque government has declared that the incident is "a malicious act". Mirmand stated, "The police are currently investigating. This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has occurred in the Principality." He added that the explosive device likely contained bolts and shot.
Public Reaction
A significant police presence has been deployed in the area following the incident, as authorities launch a manhunt for the suspect. The mayor of neighbouring Nice, Eric Ciotti, responded on X, writing in a translated post: "The attack carried out this evening is a tragedy that strikes Monaco. Thoughts for the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco. Total support for the security forces and emergency services mobilised."
Locals described the attack as something they initially mistook for a 'firework display'. Marine Cotta told BFMTV: "I thought to myself, oh, it's just another firework, and shortly after I started receiving messages to see how I was doing." She revealed she only became aware of the incident through social media. Marine continued: "I could hear the police, the alarms, the firefighters and then I thought, okay, something's happening."
