On the morning of April 25, 2025, a powerful explosion occurred in a passenger car on Nesterov Boulevard in the Aviatorov microdistrict in Balashikha, Moscow Region, killing one person. According to the Baza Telegram channel, the incident occurred in the courtyard of a residential building when a man was passing by the car. The force of the explosion was such that the victim was thrown to the entrance. The channel's source reported that an improvised explosive device (IED) packed with striking elements was presumably detonated in the car. However, this version remains preliminary, and the investigation is also considering other possible causes, including a technical malfunction.

Police, Emergencies Ministry and bomb disposal experts quickly arrived at the scene. After the explosion, a fire broke out, which was localized by rescuers. Residents of nearby houses reported a loud bang, followed by a fire. Emergency services cordoned off the area, and investigators began examining the scene and collecting evidence. The identity of the deceased is being established, his body has been sent for examination. There is no official information about additional victims yet.

According to the publication "MSK1.ru", the explosion occurred at about 09:00 Moscow time, causing panic among local residents. Video footage from surveillance cameras published on social networks shows the moment of detonation and the subsequent fire. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has opened a criminal case under the article related to causing death by negligence, but it is possible that it will be reclassified as a terrorist attack if the version with an IED is confirmed.

Such incidents in Russian cities are often associated with criminal showdowns or sabotage. In November 2024, in Sevastopol, a car explosion caused by an IED took the life of a soldier, which the Investigative Committee classified as a terrorist attack. A similar incident occurred in December 2024 in Donetsk, where a car explosion led to the death of a former prison employee.