Monaco CCTV footage shows suspect flee after explosion injures three as manhunt launched

A horrific explosion in Monaco has triggered a police hunt after a man fled by foot following the detonation of a makeshift bomb that injured three people.

The blast took place in the major holiday hotspot, Rue Reverend-Pere-Louis-Frolla at around 9pm on Monday evening, June 29.

CCTV footage shows a man dressed in a black bucket hat and jumper dumping a backpack in the foyer of an apartment block before vacating the scene hastily.

Two of the victims are in critical coniditon, according to Monaco public prosecutor general, Thibault Stéphane.

One of the victims has been confirmed locally as Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev.

The 58-year-old is ranked as one of Ukraine’s wealthiest men, making his fortune as a real estate developer before he left the country with his family.

In 2019 Ermolaev became a citizen of Cyprus, and in December 2023 Ukraine imposed sanctions on him, including asset restrictions, according to reports.

It is believed his wife was also injured in the ‘targeted attack’ alongside a teenager.

The two adults were taken to the Pasteur Hospital in Nice to be treated with the younger victim treated at the scene.

The Monégasque government has claimed that the incident is “a malicious act”.

“This is likely a terrorist attack,” Monaco’s Minister of State (head of government), Christophe Mirmand, told AFP.

He added 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”, Mirmand said.

There is a huge police presence in the area following the incident as a hunt is underway for the suspect.

It is believed he was fleeing towards the nearby French border.

The mayor of neighbouring Nice Eric Ciotti commented the incident on X, saying in a translated message: “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.”

Local residents described the attack as what they thought was 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 said she found out about the incident on social media.

Marine added: “I could hear the police, the alarms, the firefighters and then I thought, okay, something’s happening.”