Two Traffic Police Officers Killed in Explosion During Detention in Southern Moscow

Two traffic police officers were killed early on December 24 after an explosive device detonated while they were attempting to detain a suspicious individual in southern Moscow, according to Russia’s Investigative Committee. The suspect also died in the blast, bringing the total number of fatalities to three.

Investigators said the incident occurred on Yeletskaya Street in the early morning hours. The officers noticed a suspicious person near their patrol vehicle and approached him to carry out a detention. As they moved closer, an explosive device detonated, killing both officers at the scene. The suspect did not survive the explosion.

Emergency services, investigators, and forensic experts were deployed to the site to examine evidence and review video footage. A criminal investigation has been launched, with authorities preparing forensic examinations, including DNA testing, medical analyses, and explosive assessments. The Moscow Prosecutor’s Office is overseeing the investigation, while the Moscow Department of the Interior Ministry said the victims’ families will receive all necessary assistance.