MOSCOW, March 22 (Xinhua) -- At least 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured after a shooting at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in the northwest of Moscow on Friday, according to preliminary data from the Russian Federal Security Service.
Russia's Foreign Ministry called the shooting a "terrorist attack" and urged the entire world community to condemn the attack.
A criminal case for the terrorist attack has been opened, according to the Investigative Committee of Russia.
Videos posted online by Russian news agencies showed thick smoke and flames rising from the venue building.
Helicopter and aircraft have been used to put out the fire, Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations said.
Governor of the Moscow Region Andrey Vorobyov said on Telegram that an operational headquarters has been created.
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin described the shooting as a "terrible tragedy" in his Telegram post, adding that all necessary assistance will be provided to everyone who suffered during the incident.
Moscow has canceled all sports, cultural and other public events this weekend, Sobyanin said.
Russian Railways has increased security measures on trains and railway stations in connection with the attack, according to the railway operator. ■
