A Russian Air Force lieutenant colonel was killed and his wife was hospitalized after an improvised explosive device detonated inside their car in Saint Petersburg on August 27.
The Investigative Committee of Russia confirmed that an investigator launched a criminal case into the morning blast, which occurred in the city's Pushkinsky district as the couple attempted to drive away from their home.
Emergency services reported that the explosion occurred at around 10:00 a.m. when the serviceman and his wife were pulling out of a parking lot adjacent to their residential building. An improvised explosive device, commonly referred to as an IED, detonated inside the vehicle at that precise moment.
The force of the blast severed the legs of both spouses. The military officer died from his injuries at the scene, while his wife survived the explosion and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Investigation at the scene
Investigators, forensic specialists, and operational personnel immediately deployed to the site to inspect the vehicle and examine the surrounding area. Law enforcement officials told Russian news agency Lenta.ru that authorities are currently establishing all circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Investigative Committee added that forensic experts will conduct a series of specialized examinations to analyze the explosive device and gather physical evidence from the wreckage.
Background on the location and agency
The Pushkinsky district is an administrative section located in the southern part of Saint Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city. The Investigative Committee of Russia operates as the nation's main federal authority charged with investigating major crimes, military offenses, and security incidents.
The rank of lieutenant colonel is a senior officer designation within the Russian Air Force, which serves as the aerial warfare branch of the Russian Armed Forces. Law enforcement agencies have not released the names of the officer or his wife.
