A limousine belonging to Russian President Vladimir Putin burst into flames following a tremendous explosion on a Moscow street, further intensifying speculation over possible assassination attempts against him.
The incident occurred on a street just north of Moscow’s Federal Security Service (FSB) headquarters, near Lubyanka, on Saturday (29 March), reports Euro Weekly News.
The Aurus limousine is believed to be part of the Russian president’s official fleet.
Putin frequently uses the Russian-made luxury vehicles and has even been known to present them as gifts, including to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire appeared to originate in the car’s engine, quickly engulfing the entire vehicle.
As thick black smoke filled the street, concerned workers from nearby bars and restaurants rushed to assist.
Emergency services arrived swiftly, managing to contain the blaze.
At present, the cause of the explosion remains unknown, and it is unclear who was in the vehicle at the time.
However, media reports confirm that no injuries were sustained in the incident.
The explosion is likely to further exacerbate concerns over Putin’s security as he continues to take extraordinary precautions amid Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.
Just last week, reports emerged of Federal Protective Service (FSO) officers inspecting sewer hatches and rubbish bins for hidden explosives ahead of Putin’s appearance at a Moscow venue.
A source close to the Kremlin revealed that Russia’s special services have escalated security measures to unprecedented levels, despite their already stringent protocols.
