embassy urges Mexicans to report if they need help

The Mexican Embassy in Russia urged Mexican citizens who are in Moscow to contact them if they need assistance or if they have information about Mexicans affected in the attack that occurred in “Crocus City Hall”, located in the Russian capital.

Likewise, the consular authorities requested to remain calm and follow the instructions of civil protection after the attack, which has resulted in the loss of at least 40 lives and more than 100 people injured.

‼️ Given the events in “Crocus City Hall”, we urge our compatriots in Moscow 🇷🇺 to remain calm and follow the instructions of civil protection. If you require assistance or know if there are affected Mexicans, please contact 📱[phone].

— Mexico in Russia (@EmbaMexRus) March 22, 2024

The Mexican ambassador to Russia, Eduardo Villegas, noted that as of 1:29 p.m., central Mexico time, no Mexican victims had been recorded. However, he stated that they are attentive to the reports and available for any eventuality at the number [phone], which operates 24 hours a day.

Until now, the Mexican Embassy in Russia does not have information on Mexicans who have been victims of the attacks on Crocus City Hall in Moscow. We are attentive. If you know of a case, report it to [phone], which works 24/7.

— Eduardo Villegas Megías (@evillegasme) March 22, 2024

What is known about the attacks?

At the Crocus City Hall, located in the Moscow Oblast, between three and five armed individuals dressed in camouflage began an indiscriminate shooting, causing panic and chaos among those present, according to initial reports.

According to local reports, the attackers also threw a grenade or an incendiary device, triggering a fire in the building, which further complicated the evacuation efforts of the approximately 100 people trapped, some on the roof.

Russian authorities, including Governor Andrei Vorobyov and Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, deployed an emergency operation involving special police units and firefighters to control the situation and provide assistance to victims.

To fight the fire, a considerable deployment has been mobilized, including helicopters, more than 320 people and more than 130 units of specialized equipment.

For its part, the Russian Investigative Committee began a criminal investigation into the terrorist attack, with an operational team from the agency headed to the scene.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zajárova condemned the shooting as an “atrocious crime,” emphasizing that it is “a bloody terrorist attack that affects all of humanity.”