Prince Albert II issued a statement on Monday night condemning the explosion that struck a residential building in Monaco as a “criminal explosion” and “a heinous crime”, as authorities confirmed three people were injured, two critically, in what officials described as the first attack of its kind in the Principality’s history. The Prince was attending the inauguration of a ‘Monaco’ district at the Europa Park theme park in Germany when the explosion occurred, and cut short his trip to return home.
In his statement, released by the Palais Princier, Prince Albert II said the explosion had come as “a shock to the entire Monégasque community.” He continued: “My thoughts go first to the victims, their loved ones and the residents directly affected by this heinous act. Princess Charlene, my family and I wish to express our compassion and unwavering support.”
The Prince praised the response of Monaco’s public security forces, saying they had “managed the situation with rigour and composure” and ensured the rapid care of victims and the securing of the scene, while confirming that all relevant state services were mobilised under the authority of the government, working closely with French authorities. “We trust them to establish the circumstances of this tragedy as quickly as possible, identify those responsible, and provide all the answers required, at every level,” he said.
He closed with a message of resolve: “More than ever, the Principality of Monaco will remain united and determined in the face of violence and crime. The security of our community has always been a priority; it will remain so more than ever, whatever the threats.”
What happened
The explosion struck a residential building on rue Révérend-Père-Louis-Frolla at around 9pm on Monday, close to Monaco’s border with France. According to Monaco’s general prosecutor, Stéphane Thibault, the explosive device had been placed in a bag or parcel left in the building’s entrance hall by an individual caught on CCTV before he fled on foot towards Beausoleil, on the French side of the border. The suspect remains at large.
The three people injured are reported to be members of the same Ukrainian family: a couple in their fifties or sixties, both in critical condition, and a 13-year-old believed to be related to them, who sustained lighter injuries.
According to multiple media reports, one of the victims is Vadim Ermolaev, a Ukrainian businessman ranked among the country’s wealthiest individuals by Forbes, with his wife and son believed to be the other two injured. The two adults were taken to the CHU Pasteur hospital in Nice, while the teenager was transferred to the Lenval children’s hospital. Four other people were also treated by emergency responders, including one person in shock and several with cuts caused by shattered glass.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.
