A Russian military lieutenant colonel was killed after a car exploded in St Petersburg on Thursday, while his wife, who was also in the vehicle, was seriously injured, Russian media reported.
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The blast took place at around 10 am local time near a supermarket in the Shushary neighbourhood, according to independent Russian outlet Fontanka. The woman was taken to hospital following the incident.
Russia's Investigative Committee confirmed that one person died and another was hospitalised, but described the incident as a “vehicle fire” and did not officially identify the deceased as a military officer.
It said a criminal investigation had been opened.
The Mash Telegram channel identified the victims as a military serviceman and his wife. The officer was identified by Fontanka as a lieutenant colonel.
Unverified footage shared by local Telegram channels showed police and emergency personnel at the scene, with debris scattered across a cordoned-off road.
Russia has previously accused Ukraine of carrying out targeted attacks against senior military officials and others linked to Moscow's war effort. Ukrainian sources have claimed responsibility for some such attacks while denying involvement in others.
There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian officials on Thursday's incident.
The latest incident comes after a Russian military officer was killed in a bomb attack in Russian-annexed Crimea on August 13.
According to news agency Reuters, a woman was later arrested on suspicion of carrying out the assassination on behalf of Ukrainian special services.
