'Lot Of Screams': Eyewitnesses Recount Horror Of Moscow Concert Hall Attack

The harrowing sequence of events began with the sound of machine gun fire, followed by the piercing screams of panic, concluding in the engulfment of the Crocus City Hall in flames.

Working to extinguish the blaze continues at Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow, Russia after reports of a shooting incident.

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At least 60 individuals lost their lives, and over 100 were injured following an incident where a group of gunmen unleashed gunfire inside a large concert hall in Moscow, Russia's capital. The attackers also set fire to the venue. This audacious assault occurred shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin solidified his authority with a resounding victory in the country's elections. The terrorist organisation Islamic State has asserted responsibility for the assault in a statement disseminated on affiliated social media channels.

The harrowing sequence of events began with the sound of machine gun fire, followed by the piercing screams of panic, concluding in the engulfment of the Crocus City Hall in flames.

Dave Primov, who was present in the concert hall during the assault, recounted scenes of panic and chaos as the attack unfolded. “There were volleys of gunfire,” Primov told Associated Press. 

“We all got up and tried to move toward the aisles. People began to panic, started to run and collided with each other. Some fell down and others trampled on them,” he said.

Alexei, who had been anticipating a concert by the Piknik rock band, recounted to AFP how he sought refuge behind seats within the concert hall before managing to flee amidst the chaotic scenes, witnessing spectators being targeted by gunfire.

The venue, located in the Krasnogorsk suburb north of Moscow, was packed with hundreds of fans waiting for the concert. However, moments before the start of the performance, armed individuals entered the theatre and started the attack.

"It was just before the start," Alexei, a music producer was quoted as saying AFP in its report. 

"We heard several rounds of machine gun fire and then there was a horrible scream from a woman. Then there were a lot of screams.There were three or four bursts, and then some more," he added.

Alexei then witness the panic erupt. "People started running toward the stage. The crowds were chaotic," he told AFP. 

Footage circulating on platforms like Telegram and other Russian social media platforms associated with the security forces showed two armed individuals entering the concert hall. Some images captured bodies strewn on the ground, with others showing people rushing towards exits in a bid to escape.

Amidst the chaos, some rock enthusiasts sought refuge behind seats within the hall as gunfire rang out. Alongside other attendees, Alexei attempted to fortify himself within a box overlooking the stage while simultaneously searching for a means of escape.

Although he did not personally witness the gunmen, Alexei recounted encountering "the smoke and the ashes" as he sprinted towards the exit, illustrating the perilous scene unfolding before him.