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.
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.
Two of those hurt are in a critical condition, according to Monaco public prosecutor general, Thibault Stéphane.
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.
View 3 ImagesPolice have launched a manhunt following the attack(Image: Getty)
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 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”.
Monaco’s Minister of State (head of government), Christophe Mirmand, told AFP that the explosive device likely contained bolts and shot. “The police are currently investigating. This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has occurred in the Principality.”
The suspect crossed the border into France on foot and was identified via video surveillance in Monaco and the neighbouring French town of Beausoleil, Mr Mirmand said.
A significant police presence has been deployed in the area following the incident, as authorities launch a manhunt for the suspect.
It is understood that he was heading towards the nearby French border.
View 3 ImagesVadim Ermolaev, 58, has been named locally as one of the victims(Image: undefined)
The mayor of neighbouring Nice, Eric Ciotti, responded to the incident on X, writing in a translated post: “Thoughts for the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco. Total support for the security forces and emergency services mobilised.”
Locals described the incident as something they initially mistook for a ‘firework display’.
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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.”