Explosion in Monaco as casualties 'likely' after 'attack' with suspect on run

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An explosion has taken place in a part of Monaco as at least three people have been injured in the suspected attack that reportedly came from a backpack left behind by a man

21:32, 29 Jun 2026Updated 22:57, 29 Jun 2026

Monaco Monte Carlo sea view with yachtsView 6 Images

An explosion has reportedly taken place in Monaco in a suspected attack (file)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A major explosion has reportedly taken place in the luxury holiday hotspot of Monaco in a "likely terrorist attack", according to officials. It is believed at least three people have been injured and are Ukrainian nationals from the same family.

There are reports that the incident, which has seen multiple units from the emergency services swarm, may have been a targeted attack as the suspect is now reportedly on the run today (June 29).

According to French media outlet BRM, the explosion occurred after a man left a backpack with a suspected explosive on Reverend-Père-Louis-Folla Street at around 9pm local time. French prosecutors have described it as a "booby-trapped package".

Monaco's Public Security confirmed it has seen a man on CCTV cameras place a backpack down before leaving. People then entered the area as an explosion occurred.

A deliberate explosion injured three people, two of them seriously, around 9 p.m. in Monaco. An individual was spotted on surveillance cameras leaving a backpack before fleeing the scene. (AFP)View 6 Images

At least three people have been injured after a suspected explosive went off in a backpack (Image: AFP)

Following leaving the scene, the suspect reportedly fled towards Beausoleil on foot. Monaco's security forces are currently hunting the suspect. Police have since released a CCTV image of the suspect wearing a black hat and jacket.

Monaco's Minister of State Christophe Mirmand said it was "likely a terrorist attack". He added: "The police are currently investigating. This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act occurred in [Monaco]".

According to AFP, the government has announced at least three people have been injured with two of them believed to be in a serious condition. Reports in France are suggesting all victims are all members of the same Ukrainian family.

Suspect in Monaco attackView 6 Images

A CCTV image has been released of the suspect

Unconfirmed reports suggest one of those injured was a Ukrainian oligarch, who was inured along with his wife and child. The victims The two adults were taken to Pasteur Hospital in Nice, while the minor, reportedly aged 13, was rushed to Lenval Hospital.

One British resident, who has asked not to be named, said police are now checking everyone as they hunt the suspect.

They told The Mirror: "We live next door to the police station so we are overlooking it basically. It all began at around 9pm when we saw lots of police in the street, first of all we heard a big commotion outside and then there was a procession of police cars heading off.

"Everything is on high alert at the police station there are now two armed police outside who are being ultra-cautious, they are checking everyone who is going past. I think it is because this person has run off and they don't know where he has gone or what he may plan to target.

A police officer stands guard next to a police car after setting up a security perimeter on a street following an explosion that occurred in a residential building in Monaco, near the border with France on June 29, 2026. Three people were injured two of them very seriously in the explosion of an explosive device in Monaco in the evening. The blast at a residential building was "very likely an attack", Monaco's Minister of State (head of government) told AFP. Public prosecutor said a suspect had left a bag or package in the building's lobby before leaving. Nothing appeared for the moment to indicate why the building might have been targeted, he said. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP via Getty Images)View 6 Images

Police have set up a security perimeter following the explosion (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

"What we know from the French media is that a suspect has dropped a bag off and then fled before the explosion.

"The road where it happened is about 20 minutes away from where we are and he has gone to the neighbouring town of Beausolei which is just over the border into France basically. So I imagine has has just disappeared into France. A lot of people live there and maybe spend their lives in Monaco because it is cheaper there."

Mayor of Nice Eric Ciotti confirmed the incident is being treated as an attack in a post on social media platform X.

Monaco explosion View 6 Images

The incident is believed to have been caused by a booby-trapped backpack(Image: X)

He wrote: "The attack carried out this evening is a tragedy that strikes Monaco.

"Thoughts for the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco. Total support for the security forces and emergency services mobilized."

The Monégasque government described the incident in a statement as "a malicious act."

Charles-Ange Ginésy, President of the departmental council of Alpes-Maritimes, also took to X to express "deep solidarity" with the victims and their families.

Monaco explosion View 6 Images

Videos on social media show damage to the area (Image: X)

He said: "In the face of the attack that occurred in Monaco this evening, I express my deep solidarity with the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco.

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"I also extend my support to the security forces and emergency services engaged on the ground."

The Alpes-Maritimes fire department were called in as reinforcements with Five vehicles and fourteen firefighters racing to the scene.

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